Removal of plasma lipoproteins from circulating blood with a heparin-agarose column.

A method is described for the removal of cholesterol fractions by means of intermittent extracorporeal plasma circulation through a column containing heparin-treated agarose in the presence of calcium. The system allows plasma perfusion in one column while simultaneously recharging another. In vitro testing demonstrated its efficiency, and in vivo testing of a normal dog proved its feasibility. In vitro testing revealed a mean removal of 22% of low-density and very low-density lipoproteins combined. Animal testing did not produce any abnormalities in clinically significant parameters.