Liquorpheresis

This book provides an overview of emerging CSF management systems that filter or clear cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a therapeutic approach for several CNS conditions. While the term liquorpheresis most accurately refers to extracorporeal procedures that filter CSF (similar to plasmapheresis), this book covers any method based on devices that -either alone or in combination with drugs- can clear CSF or enhance its turnover, which in turn dilutes toxins. The book begins with an overview of CSF anatomy and physiology, followed by a discussion of the role of CSF clearance and flow dysfunction in various CNS conditions. The next section describes the different CSF management systems and procedures that are currently available or under development. The book then reviews the potential applications of these systems for treating subarachnoid hemorrhage, CNS infections, meningeal carcinomatosis, autoimmune encephalitis, polyradiculomyelitis, and neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, a chapter discusses future advances in liquorpheresis systems and applications. This book is intended for clinicians, neuro-researchers, academics, and students who are interested in the development and application of CSF management systems. It is also relevant to the medical device industry, particularly those that develop apheresis and CSF management devices, and the drug-delivery industry.

Anatomy and Physiology.- The four layers of meninges.- The BBB.- The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the Interstitial fluid (ISF).- Introduction to liquorpheresis.- Clearing the CSF as a therapeutic strategy in neurodegenerative diseases.- Definitions of pr