Treatments & Services

LDL Apheresis

LDL apheresis is a procedure that selectively removes harmful Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) from the bloodstream and returns the other blood components (blood cells, proteins, antibodies, and HDL) back to the body. Emory is the only Georgia facility to provide this procedure.

This procedure has been shown to be proven, effective, safe, and unique. It is very well tolerated has been demonstrated to lower LDL-C 73-83% after a single treatment while having minimal impact on other essential plasma components such as HDL-C and albumin. No other procedure has the flexibility to target a specific LDL-C treatment goal. In order to be eligible for the treatment, patients must first be on maximum medication and diet therapy for 6 months and meet the following criteria as specified by the FDA:

  • LDL cholesterol greater than 200 mg/dl and documented coronary heart disease
  • LDL cholesterol greater than 300 mg/dl without coronary heart disease

Approved by the FDA since 1996, there have been more than 25,000 treatments performed nation-wide. Medicare as well as most insurance policies covers the procedure, and complementary insurance consultation is available from the manufacturer to verify proper pre-authorization of coverage.