Conventional plasma exchange (CPE) is complicated by serious side effects due to the substitution or unselective elimination of plasma components. This article gives an overview of the most important methods (immunoadsorption [IA], cascade filtration [CF] and HELP [heparin-induced extracorporeal LDL precipitation]), developed to reduce these risks. With the use of IA selected plasma proteins are adsorbed on substances such as staphylococcal protein-A, tryptophane, phenylalanine, anti-LDL-antibodies or dextran sulfate cellulose. The efficacy of IA is accepted for myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre-Syndrome, anti-factor-VIII/IX antibodies and anti-HLA antibodies as well as in states of hypercholesterolemia. In CF plasma macromolecules are removed as a function of their size. CF has been found to be effective in states of hyperviscosity induced by IgM or excessive hyperlipemia. HELP achieves the precipitation of LDL by addition of heparin and acidification of the plasma. HELP has a high selectivity for LDL. In conclusion, the mentioned methods of extracorporeal plasma therapy appear to be well tolerated, and have, hence, replaced CPE in some clinical settings.