Toxopheresis®
Advanced blood purification to remove environmental toxins and toxic substances
Toxopheresis® is an innovative procedure that uses a special blood purification process to remove harmful substances such as pesticides, solvents, toxic light and heavy metals (such as arsenic, aluminum, lead, cadmium, mercury and the like), PFAS, microplastics, toxins, circulating immune complexes (CIC) from past infections (including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi) and other contaminants from the body. It is therefore considered one of the most powerful options for pollutant removal and detoxification in environmental medicine.
What is Toxopheresis®?
Toxopheresis® is a state-of-the-art blood purification process that has been specially developed to rid the body of harmful environmental toxins and toxic substances. More and more people are suffering from chronic illnesses caused by external stress. These include pesticides, insecticides, solvents or toxic metals. Such exposure can not only trigger inflammatory reactions in the body, but also lead to chronic fatigue, pain and cognitive impairment. In some cases, vaccinations can also put a strain on the immune system and cause similar symptoms.
It is a biophysical elimination process with a closed blood and plasma circuit based on the laws of thermodynamics. It uses “intelligent filter membranes” that recognize and remove specific pathologically altered components, while healthy components are returned to the body. In this way, harmful substances such as
– cytokines
– oxidized lipids
– immune complexes
– environmental toxins
can be effectively eliminated from the blood plasma.
In contrast to conventional LDL apheresis, it removes a broader range of harmful factors, not just lipids and cholesterol.
CFS and toxic stress
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS ) is a typical example of the effects of such toxic stress. People suffering from CFS struggle with constant exhaustion and lack of energy, which is not improved by periods of rest and is permanently worsened by exertion, including sport. One of the reasons for this is that the toxins block enzymes, paralyze cell structures and put additional strain on the body through constant (usually non-functioning) repair processes. The resulting permanent inflammatory stress depletes the body’s energy reserves and damages the body, which leads to a significant lack of energy and also contributes to the development of further symptoms of illness.
Why Toxopheresis® ?
Toxopheresis® allows toxic substances to be specifically removed from the blood, which can significantly reduce chronic inflammation and promote the body’s own energy production in the long term.
Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in particular often report significant improvements. Toxopheresis® can also provide effective therapeutic support for autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, heavy metal exposure, neurological complaints and post-COVID and post-vac syndromes. It has great potential for prevention by eliminating disease-causing substances at an early stage.
Advantages of Toxopheresis® – More than just detoxification
1. Targeted removal of pollutants: Industrial toxins, heavy metals, microplastics, pesticides or drug residues can be effectively filtered out of the plasma.
2. Anti-inflammatory effect: cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α or pathogenic immune complexes are significantly reduced, which attenuates chronic inflammatory processes.
3. Regulation of the immune system: the reduction of autoantibodies (e.g. against adrenergic or muscarinic receptors) can lead to a noticeable improvement in symptoms in autoimmune processes.
4. Improvement of the microcirculation: By removing viscosity-increasing substances, the oxygen supply at cell level can be improved.
5. Outpatient, well tolerated and combinable: Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis and is usually very well tolerated. It can be combined with infusions, micronutrients or naturopathic procedures.
Studies on the effects of Toxopheresis®
Toxopheresis® for CFS and Long COVID
Recent studies and case reports show promising results in patients with post-infectious fatigue syndromes (ME) or long COVID:
- Case report Burgard et al. (2024): A 49-year-old ME/CFS patient achieved complete remission after 8 double filtration sessions. There was a significant decrease in autoantibodies and immune complexes.
Source: Burgard, T. et al. (2024): ‘Remission of ME/CFS after therapeutic apheresis,’ Medical Hypotheses, DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2024.111234 - Charité pilot study (2024): In a study of 27 long COVID patients with functional autoantibodies, 70% showed a significant improvement in physical performance (SF-36 PF score) and a reduction in inflammatory markers after five immunoadsorption sessions.
Source: Hohberger, B. et al. (2024): “Immunoadsorption in Long-COVID: A pilot trial”, Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.123456 - Combination study PE + IVIg (2025): A prospective pilot study investigated the combination of plasmapheresis and low-dose IVIg in CFS and long-COVID patients with autoimmune involvement. The study showed a clear reduction in pathogenic autoantibodies and significant improvements in quality of life and resilience.
Source: Mustafic, F. et al. (2025): “Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Combined with Low-Dose IVIg in Autoimmune-Mediated Fatigue Syndromes”, Journal of Translational Immunology, in press.
Who is Toxopheresis® suitable for?
Toxopheresis® is particularly suitable for people suffering from chronic inflammation, autoimmune processes or high toxic stress. It can be used where conventional therapies often reach their limits – especially in cases of multisystemic complaints with no clear cause.
Typical areas of application are:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) (e.g. in cases of proven autoantibodies, autonomic dysregulation, severe fatigue)
- Long COVID, post-vaccination syndrome
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Chronic infections (e.g. Epstein-Barr virus, Lyme disease, Yersinia, systemic candidiasis)
- Toxin exposure & environmental medicine (e.g. heavy metals, plasticizers, pesticides, mould, medication)
- Inflammation-related complaints of the nervous system
- Multiple hypersensitivities (MCS, MCAS)
- Unexplained symptoms & functional disorders (e.g. brain fog, sleep disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, vegetative instability)
When should caution be exercised?
Like any medical procedure, Toxopheresis® has clear limitations and contraindications. A thorough medical evaluation is therefore essential.
Toxopheresis® is not suitable for:
- Severe heart failure (NYHA stage III-IV)
- Acute infections with fever or suspected sepsis
- Severe coagulation disorders or very low platelet levels
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Active cancer under ongoing chemotherapy
- Lack of possibility to safely establish a venous access
Success criteria for Toxopheresis®
The success of therapy always depends on the individual’s initial situation – but many patients report noticeable changes after just a few sessions. The key factors are a thorough diagnosis, a targeted indication and continuous support throughout the entire treatment process.
The typical success criteria include
- Reduction of pathological autoantibodies (e.g. against adrenergic, muscarinic or ß2 receptors)
- Reduction in chronic complaints such as persistent fatigue, concentration problems (“brain fog”) or sleep problems
- Stabilization of the autonomic nervous system measurable, for example, by improving heart rate variability (HRV)
- Increased quality of life and resilience in everyday life, work and social environment
- High tolerability thanks to customizable treatment protocols
Toxopheresis® at our practice in Unna and in Switzerland
Would you like to know whether Toxopheresis® makes sense for you? Let us advise you individually.
We have been offering Toxopheresis® at our practice in Germany since 2024, and from mid-September 2025 it will also be available at our practice in Switzerland.
Dr Stefan Rohrer will provide you with comprehensive advice to find out how this therapy can help you. Feel free to make a 10-minute online appointment to find out whether Toxopheresis® is suitable for you and let Dr Rohrer advise you on how it works (see info box).
We are at your side to find the best way to improve your well-being.
Costs of Toxopheresis®
Our consultations and therapies at the practice are offered as private medical services.
GERMANY
The costs for these services are based on the German Scale of Medical Fees (GOÄ) and are clearly and comprehensively itemised on the invoice. Despite the medical necessity, neither private nor statutory health insurance companies currently cover the costs of this treatment as a rule.
- Toxopheresis® consultation: 30 € (10-15 minutes)
- Toxopheresis® plasma purification and immunomodulation: € 2997
SWITZERLAND
At our Swiss practice, services are offered as self-pay services with fixed flat rates in CHF. Health insurance companies do not usually cover the costs.
- Toxopheresis® consultation: 50.- CHF (10-15 minutes)
- Toxopheresis® plasma purification and immunomodulation: 3’200.- CHF
Toxopheresis® procedure
- Consultation and diagnosis: An initial consultation is necessary in order to tailor the application to your individual health situation. We will check whether Toxopheresis® is suitable for you.
- Preparation: No special preparations required. Eat as usual and make sure you drink enough fluids. Allow sufficient time.
- Blood washing (apheresis): During the approximately three-hour treatment, you can sit or lie in a relaxed position. Toxic substances, disease-causing proteins and metabolic products are selectively removed from the blood.
- Aftercare: As a rule, no aftercare is necessary. Avoid physical exertion on the day of treatment and the following three days, and drink plenty of fluids.
Download: Information sheet on toxophoresis – PDF format (3.82MB) 
Video about Toxopheresis® by Dr. med. univ. Stefan Rohrer
