APHERESIS TECHNOLOGIES - AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

The developments in apheresis techniques and their clinical applicatio ns world-wide are technologically driven. In the past, apheresis surve y statistics have highlighted both the differences by region in clinic al practice and in the types of technologies utilized. Such difference s have provided a basis for the scientific and clinical assessments of these apheresis technologies and their clinical outcomes and have sti mulated the marketing and business development of new technologies wor ld-wide. A review of the regional practices and technologies utilized provides a perspective on the future role of apheresis and its develop ments in clinical practice. While technology is a driving force for th e development of new techniques for clinical practice, it is not the o nly market force. For technology introduction, several other important issues need to be considered. Regulations at the local and, most impo rtantly, the federal level impact the timing for new technology introd uction. Reimbursement by healthcare payers is critically important fro m the initiation of the development of a technology through its clinic al use. Clinical trials are critically important to show the safety an d clinical- and cost-effectiveness of the technology in order for paye rs to provide reimbursement for its use, but these trials are sometime s long and costly. Research funding availability at the governmental a nd commercial levels critically impacts new technology investigation a nd its introduction. Apheresis technology developments offer new hopes and promises for the clinical team; however, their development, intro duction, and utilization will be influenced by the prevailing market f orces.