Dialysis Overview
Dialysis is a type of renal replacement therapy. It is a treatment which removes excess water, solutes, and waste products from the body when the kidneys cannot naturally perform these functions. It doesn't provide complete replacement of kidney function. But by removing the metabolic waste and excess water, it provides a means to sustain life for those with advanced kidney ...
How Hemodialysis Works
“Hemo” means blood or blood dialysis. With hemodialysis a machine uses a dialyzer or 'artificial kidney' to clean ones blood. This is done when the kidney is no longer able to filter waste from the blood. This machine takes a small amount of blood at a time and cleans it while monitoring important vitals like blood pressure. There are 4 ...
Hemodialysis Access
Reliable access to your bloodstream is the cornerstone of dialysis therapy. Removing and replacing blood is a delicate process, so your dialysis access is your lifeline. Depending on your health and the strength of your veins, you and your vascular surgeon can decide which type (fistula, graft, or catheter) is best for you. There are 3 types of access for ...
Hemodialysis: In Center vs. At Home
Your lifestyle will largely determine which type of dialysis and where you chose to do it. Hemodialysis can either be performed at a dialysis center where a nurse or technician does dialysis for you, or it can be done by a machine within the home. Done by: Nurses and technicians Ideal candidates: Retirees, people available during business hours Pros: 3-4 ...
Peritoneal Dialysis
We have a membrane that lines our abdominal cavity called the peritoneal membrane. Fortunately this membrane can serve the function of a filter. PD uses this lining to remove waste buildup from the blood using a solution called dialysate. A catheter is surgically placed in your abdominal cavity which allows us to perform 'an exchange'. The catheter is soft and ...
Concerns About Dialysis
Home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis are good options for busy schedules. If you prefer in center dialysis, 1st or 4th shifts are good options. Peritoneal dialysis will provide the best quality of life.