Cytopheresis cartridges and use thereof

A method for processing an activated leukocyte, an activated platelet, or both an activated leukocyte and an activated platelet contained within a body fluid, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a cartridge comprising
• (i) a rigid housing defining an inner volume (IV), a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, wherein the inner volume is in fluid flow communication with the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port;
• and
• (ii) a solid support disposed within the housing and defining a fluid contacting surface with a surface area (SA) capable of sequestering an activated leukocyte and/or an activated platelet if present in a body fluid entering the housing via the fluid inlet port, wherein the cartridge has an SA/IV ratio ranging from greater than 150 cm−1 to 800 cm−1;
• and
• (b) introducing a body fluid from a subject into the housing via the fluid inlet port under conditions that permit sequestration of an activated leukocyte and/or an activated platelet on the fluid contacting surface of the solid support;
• and
• (c) treating the leukocyte and/or platelet sequestered in step (b) to inhibit release of a pro-inflammatory substance or to deactivate the leukocyte and/or the platelet.

A method for treating a subject having or at risk of developing an inflammatory condition, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a cartridge comprising
• (i) a rigid housing defining an inner volume (IV), a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, wherein the inner volume is in fluid flow communication with the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port;
• and
• (ii) a solid support disposed within the housing and defining a fluid contacting surface with a surface area (SA) capable of sequestering an activated leukocyte, if present in a body fluid entering the housing via the fluid inlet port, wherein the cartridge has an SA/IV ratio ranging from greater than 150 cm−1 to 800 cm−1;
• and
• (b) introducing a body fluid from a subject into the housing via the fluid inlet port under conditions that permit sequestration of an activated leukocyte and/or an activated platelet on the fluid contacting surface of the solid support;
• and
• (c) treating the leukocyte and/or platelet sequestered in step (b) to reduce the risk of developing inflammation associated with the inflammatory condition or to alleviate inflammation associated with the inflammatory condition.