Habitat Optimizing Plasma Exchange^® (H.O.P.E.)

As more data emerges and clinical trials are performed, it is becoming clear that neurodegeneration and diseases associated with aging such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and frailty have the potential for improvement with Therapeutic Plasma Exchange. Animal studies have shown that removing old plasma and replacing it with fresh albumin creates a cleaner and healthier environment that encourages stem cells to behave as if they were younger. This is essentially the process that occurs in the Therapeutic Plasma Exchange as it is delivered at MaxWell Clinic.

The exact frequency of repeated therapy needed to achieve optimal results for each condition is unknown and decided on a patient to patient basis. We expect those who are otherwise healthy and are undergoing regenerative therapies to optimize their long-term health to receive a plasma exchange procedure once every 2 – 6 months based on their response to the initial Therapeutic Plasma Exchange treatment.

Individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s in large multi-national, multi-center, randomized placebo-controlled trials where benefit was shown, followed a protocol of 4-6 plasma exchange procedures done weekly followed by once a month plasma exchange to slow, stop, and even reverse the process of neurodegeneration. We use this standard as a starting point and customize according to individual patient response. We also use this protocol as a foundation for approaching patients with other neurodegenerative and age-associated conditions in the hopes of slowing down symptom progression and reversing degenerative processes.

Individuals who are highly biologically burdened with auto-antibodies, toxins, mis-folded proteins, signals of senescence, and cellular debris are expected to need a higher frequency of repeated procedures. In the case of acutely ill patients with Guilian-Barre this frequency may be daily. However, in the outpatient setting, individuals with chronic degenerative disease need far fewer such procedures.

We track your progress by assessing how you feel and function as well as recommend blood tests and procedures that help quantify how “biologically old” you are. Some reported benefits thus far include improved exercise tolerance, improved cognitive function as well as improved microvascular perfusion. If you proceed with Therapeutic Plasma Exchange, we will collect various lab values and data to research and track these observed symptomatic benefits.

Additional supportive therapies may be recommended and ordered to optimize your Therapeutic Plasma Exchange experience according to your individual needs.

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Therapeutic Plasma Exchange is not inexpensive, with its specialized equipment, costly materials, specialty staff, and time commitment. However, to make this innovative, out-patient therapy more accessible to more people, we provide it at less than half of what the charge would be in a hospital. If you would like detailed cost information, please call MaxWell Clinic at (615) 370-0091.

Plasma exchange is considered very safe when performed in a medical setting. Like any procedure, there are possible side effects, but most are mild and manageable. Some patients may experience low calcium or magnesium levels, which can cause tingling or muscle cramps, but this is treated with IV calcium during the procedure. Because blood passes through the machine outside your body, you may also feel chilled, although warm fluids are given to prevent or correct this. A drop in blood pressure can occur as well, which may cause lightheadedness or weakness, but this is managed with fluids, plasma, or a blood transfusion if needed.

At MaxWell Clinic, patients are monitored closely throughout the procedure, and our team is trained to respond immediately, which helps keep the process safe and comfortable.

Plasma exchange is a medical procedure that removes and replaces the plasma, which is the liquid portion of your blood. During the treatment, a machine separates the plasma from your blood cells. The blood cells are then combined with a clean replacement solution and returned to your body. This process helps clear away abnormal proteins, antibodies, and other harmful substances that may contribute to disease. Plasma exchange is used to treat certain blood disorders, autoimmune conditions, and neurological diseases. It is also called plasmapheresis.

The effects of plasma exchange vary from person to person. Some patients notice improvements, such as increased energy or clearer thinking, after just a few treatments, while for others the changes develop more gradually. It’s important to note that plasma exchange is a treatment that may need to be repeated over time. The frequency and duration of treatment will vary depending on the individual patient and their response to therapy. At MaxWell Clinic, H.O.P.E. (Habitat Optimizing Plasma ExchangeⓇ) is offered in pathways designed to track both short-term and long-term progress.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) is the medical term for plasma exchange used to treat specific conditions. It has been performed since the 1950s and remains a trusted treatment for autoimmune, neurological, and blood-related disorders.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) has been in use for decades. First developed in the 1950s, it became a recognized treatment by the 1970s for serious autoimmune conditions such as myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Since then, the technology has advanced significantly, and today plasma exchange is still widely used for autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and blood-related conditions.

By removing and replacing plasma, the procedure helps reduce harmful proteins, antibodies, and inflammatory molecules in the blood. This creates a healthier environment for the body to function and repair. At MaxWell Clinic, our patented H.O.P.E. process builds on this foundation and extends its potential to conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, cognitive decline, autoimmune disease, and more.

The cost of plasma exchange varies depending on the number of treatments and the pathway recommended for your health needs. At MaxWell Clinic, we work very hard to make this advanced therapy accessible. Our goal is to keep pricing lower than most centers across the country so more people can benefit from the potential of H.O.P.E. We also offer package pricing for patients who need multiple treatments.

When thinking about cost, it helps to also think about value. H.O.P.E. is our patented advancement of plasma exchange, offered here at the largest private outpatient apheresis center in the country. Patients travel from across the U.S., and physicians regularly refer to us because of the expertise, safety, and results they know their patients will receive.

Because every plan is personalized, exact costs are discussed during your consultation. For complete pricing information, contact our patient navigator at 615-370-0091.

Plasma exchange works by removing and replacing the plasma, which is the liquid portion of your blood. During the procedure, blood is drawn from your arm and passed through a specialized machine that separates out the plasma. The plasma, which may contain harmful proteins, antibodies, and inflammatory molecules, is discarded. Your blood cells are then combined with a clean replacement solution and returned to your body.

When we clean the blood, the body and brain work better. By creating a healthier internal environment, plasma exchange supports your cells’ natural ability to repair and function more effectively. This is the foundation of how patients may experience improvements in energy, clarity, and resilience.

MaxWell Clinic is an out-of-network provider and does not accept insurance. We are happy to provide you with a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company, but reimbursement is not typical and depends on the terms of your individual benefits.

Plasma exchange is available at select hospitals and specialty clinics. MaxWell Clinic operates the largest private outpatient apheresis center in the United States and pioneered H.O.P.E., our patented form of therapeutic plasma exchange. Patients travel from across the country for treatment at MaxWell Clinic, and physicians nationwide refer their patients here for this procedure.

Each treatment typically lasts between 2 and 4 hours. The length depends on your individual health status and the specific pathway your clinician recommends.

Most patients find plasma exchange very tolerable. The procedure involves inserting an IV, which may cause brief discomfort. During treatment, you can rest, read, or listen to music. Our clinical team is present throughout the procedure to keep you comfortable and supported.

Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) and dialysis are both treatments that filter the blood, but they are used for different purposes. Dialysis is most often used when the kidneys cannot properly remove waste products from the blood. Plasmapheresis focuses on removing and replacing the plasma, which allows harmful proteins, antibodies, and inflammatory molecules to be cleared from circulation. While the equipment may look somewhat similar, the goals and conditions they treat are different.