Rheopheresis in patients with ischemic diabetic foot syndrome: results of an open label prospective pilot trial.

:  Rheopheresis is a specific application of membrane differential filtration, synonymous with double filtration plasmapheresis, for extracorporeal hemorheotherapy. Safety and efficacy of Rheopheresis for wound healing and skin oxygenation were investigated in patients with ischemic diabetic foot syndrome. Eight patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-healing foot ulcers caused by severe ischemic diabetic foot syndrome were treated by a series of seven Rheopheresis sessions in a time span of 11 weeks. Wound healing had not been detectable under conditions of standardized wound care during at least 2 months. Wound status was classified by its morphology, severity and location, accordi…