How the THERAKOS Photopheresis System Works

Drawing

Whole blood is drawn from the patient. The Fluid Logic™ Controller mixes the blood with the priming anticoagulant solution in the Fluid Logic Module (FLM). The Fluid Logic Controller then pumps the blood into the Centrifuge Bowl, where the Centrifuge separates the whole blood into its components. Plasma, which is the least dense of the components, exits the Bowl and is pumped into the Plasma/Return Bag.

Elutriation

Once the red cell interface reaches its predetermined level, plasma is pumped from the Plasma/Return Bag back into the Centrifuge Bowl. Since the plasma is less dense than the red blood cells, it is centrifuged to the top of the Bowl and brings with it more white blood cells into the buffy coat layer.

Buffy Coat

When the optical sensor detects the red cell/buffy coat interface, the buffy coat collection begins. Whole blood is drawn from the patient into the Centrifugal Bowl. As the buffy coat exits the Bowl, it is pumped into the Photoactivation Module and passes through the Hematocrit Sensor. When the buffy coat reaches the present hematocrit value, the buffy coat collection ends.

Returning

Following the collection of each buffy coat, all uncollected cells are pumped back to the patient from the Plasma/Return Bag through the blood filter in the FLM.

Recirculation

The treatment volume is continuously circulated through the Photoactivation Module into the Recirculation Bag, then into the FLM, back into the Photoactivation Module. This continuous circulation of the treatment cells ensures that all cells receive adequate exposure to the UVA light for an effective photopheresis process.

Reinfusion

When photoactivation is complete, the treated cells are returned to the patient from the Plasma/Return Bag through the blood filter into the FLM.