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Lipid Exchange Therapy IV
(Mental Clarity, Detox, Neurology)
​Mobile Service is available in Los Angeles and Coachella Valley areas

Lipid exchange IV, also referred to as lipid exchange therapy or lipid rescue therapy, is a medical procedure utilized to address severe toxicity or overdose resulting from specific lipophilic substances like local anesthetics or certain medicines. This treatment entails the intravenous administration of a lipid emulsion to counteract the toxic impacts of the lipophilic compound.

Image by Ben White

The components of lipid exchange IV typically include a lipid emulsion, commonly known as intralipid or Liposyn. Intralipid is a sterile, isotonic solution that contains soybean oil as the main lipid source, along with egg phospholipids, glycerin, and water. 

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The lipid emulsion used in lipid exchange IV works through several mechanisms to counteract the effects of lipophilic substances. One of the primary mechanisms is called the "lipid sink" effect. Lipophilic toxins have a high affinity for fat, and when the lipid emulsion is introduced into the bloodstream, it acts as a reservoir for the lipophilic drug, reducing its concentration in the target tissues and slowing its toxic effects.

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Additionally, the lipid emulsion may help in the redistribution of the toxic substance from highly perfused organs, such as the brain and heart, to less perfused tissues, allowing for increased elimination through normal metabolic pathways. This redistribution can effectively decrease the concentration of the toxic substance in vital organs, potentially improving patient outcomes.

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Another proposed mechanism is the alteration of the cellular membrane properties. The lipid emulsion may modify the physicochemical properties of the cell membranes, including fluidity and permeability. By doing so, it can prevent or mitigate the lipophilic substance's interaction with cell membranes, reducing its harmful effects.

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Lipid exchange IV dosage and duration of treatment depend on various factors, including the type and amount of the lipophilic substance ingested, the severity of toxicity, and the patient's individual characteristics.

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