TPE Blueprint Podcast Ep.24: Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Action – Florida TPE Nurse Unpacks the Patient Journey

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Meet Mitch Velez-Zumbrunn: Pioneering TPE in Florida

In this episode of the TPE Blueprint Podcast, Joe Fier sits down with Mitch Velez-Zumbrunn, an experienced clinical apheresis nurse now leading the charge for Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) at MDLifespan’s first Florida clinic. Mitch shares his journey from ER and pediatric vascular access to the cutting edge of removing toxins directly with TPE. Whether you’re new to the modality or exploring it for yourself or a loved one, Mitch’s firsthand perspective brings the process and promise of TPE to life.

From ER Nurse to TPE Innovator: Mitch’s Transformation

Mitch began his nursing career in the hectic world of emergency medicine, then specialized in pediatric vascular access and nationwide travel assignments. This exposure made him keenly aware of the rising rates of chronic and inflammatory conditions—many of which he now connects to hidden daily toxin exposures.

When he discovered MDLifespan and Dr. David Savage’s foundational research on TPE for toxin removal, Mitch was hooked. He saw a chance to move upstream: “In conventional medicine, we were treating symptoms. With TPE, we’re hitting the cause.” Now, he uses his ultrasound IV skills and holistic approach to help patients detox at the cellular level.

What Is TPE? “It’s an Oil Change for the Body”

Wondering what TPE actually is? Mitch breaks it down:

  • Analogy: Like an oil change for your body, or a gentle, safer cousin to dialysis.
  • Process: Two small IVs are inserted; the Amicus apheresis machine circulates your blood, spins off the plasma (where toxins reside), and returns the cleaned blood with fresh albumin to maintain volume and balance.
  • Experience: Personalized for each patient—Mitch assesses your veins, potential sensitivities, and offers adjustments like IV fluids or glucose if needed, ensuring maximum comfort.

TPE at MDLifespan avoids the depletion or harsh side effects people associate with blood donation or dialysis, thanks to their highly skilled, VAVC-certified team and cutting-edge equipment.

Common Patient Experiences & Surprising Results

Every TPE journey is unique, but Mitch sees recurring themes:

  • Cognitive Clarity & Energy Gains: Many patients report reduced brain fog and a surge in vitality after just one session.
  • Autoimmune Wins: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis often show improved dexterity and less pain.
  • Long COVID Hope: Mitch has witnessed a patient’s sense of smell returning after years—a testament to TPE’s power over inflammation and lingering viral symptoms.
  • Unexpected Perks: Mitch shares stories such as the “geographic tongue” condition resolving—showcasing TPE’s broad, sometimes surprising effects.

He emphasizes open feedback and communication with treating physicians, keeping care personalized, adaptive, and research-driven across the MDLifespan network.

Demystifying the TPE Procedure: Comfort, Safety & Precision

The main concern for many? The IV. Mitch addresses needle anxiety with compassion and expertise. His use of ultrasound-guided vascular access, careful vein selection, and real-time troubleshooting make each session smooth and successful—even for the squeamish.

  • Do you need new IV sites each time? Usually not—once a good vein is found, it’s “theirs” for the full protocol (typically 3-5 sessions).
  • Safety first: Mitch walks patients through every step, offers numbing sprays, and invites them to watch the process, making it transparent and less intimidating.

Regional Toxin Trends: Florida as a Case Study

Living in Florida? Mitch highlights local challenges:

  • Pesticides & Golf Courses: Elevated environmental exposure.
  • Microplastics & Water Chemicals: Common in humid, coastal regions.
  • Airborne Plastics & Paper Mill Toxins: Often overlooked but measurable.

No matter your location, regular toxin testing (pre- and post-TPE) ensures the protocol targets your unique exposures. Mitch also educates patients on everyday toxin reduction strategies (“get those plastic bottles out!”).

What to Expect After TPE: Monitoring & Testing

After each session, Mitch personally follows up—especially if unique reactions occurred. Post-procedure side effects are typically mild: temporary fatigue, rare mild lightheadedness, or tingling (fixed with simple treats like juice or TUMS).

  • Testing timeline: Detox markers are reassessed around 6 weeks after the final TPE session. Both objective (blood/urine toxin levels) and subjective (quality of life and fatigue surveys) metrics track progress, capturing physical, cognitive, and emotional improvements.

The Future of TPE: Hope, Research, and Community

Mitch’s optimism is infectious: “We’re actually seeing real changes in patients, not just masking symptoms.” With growing research behind TPE for everything from autoimmune to cognitive and post-viral conditions, education is key—and Mitch encourages everyone to check the MDLifespan website for more resources or schedule a consultation.

For those overwhelmed by the omnipresence of environmental toxins, Mitch offers reassurance: TPE is one game-changing modality, but small daily changes—like better containers and proactive testing—stack up for your long-term health.

FAQs with Mitch Velez-Zumbrunn

Q: Is TPE like dialysis or donating blood—will I feel wiped out?
A: Not at all. The purified albumin and skilled nursing minimize side effects. Most patients feel a boost after the initial fatigue subsides.

Q: How many sessions do most people need?
A: Typically 3-5, but plans are completely individualized based on goals and toxin panel.

Q: Are results immediate?
A: Many notice subtle improvements right away—energy, clarity—but benefits compound with each session and over time.

Q: Can I reduce toxins at home?
A: Yes—switch to glass containers, avoid plastic bottles, filter water, and follow MD Lifespan’s educational protocols.

Take Charge: Next Steps for Your Detox Journey

Whether you’re dealing with chronic health challenges, want to optimize longevity, or are simply detox-curious, TPE under the care of experts like Mitch is showing promise. Educate yourself, get tested, and reach out to experienced clinics for a guided, research-backed plan.

👉 Learn more about therapeutic plasma exchange and toxin reduction at MDLifespan.

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