Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is the most common method used to treat advanced and permanent kidney failure. Hemodialysis uses a dialysis machine and an artificial kidney.

Artificial Kidney

Hemodialysis uses an artificial kidney (called a dialyzer) to remove wastes and fluids from your blood. Dialysis treatments will typically be needed three times a week for the rest of your life (or until you receive a kidney transplant).

The artificial kidney is man-made. It removes wastes and water from your blood.

The artificial kidney has two compartments. One lets blood flow through it; the other lets solution called dialysate or bath flow through it. A thin material separates the compartments. The blood and dialysate flow in opposite directions. Wastes leave your blood and go into the dialysate.

The used dialysate, with the wastes in it, is drained out of the kidney machine. Your clean blood is returned to your body. Blood goes through the artificial kidney at an average rate of ½ pint per minute. This means all the blood in your body goes through the artificial kidney two to four times every hour.

In the dialysis unit, you will see different kinds of artificial kidneys. Your doctor will decide which one is best for you. He or she will also decide the number of hours each treatment will last by a specific prescription especially written to ensure that your treatments are designed to best meet your needs.

Artificial Kidney Reuse

Using the same artificial kidney (dialyzer) for more than one dialysis treatment is called reuse. The kidney is rinsed free of blood, chemically cleaned and disinfected after each treatment. The residual volume is measured after each cleaning. A new dialyzer replaces the used artificial kidney when the residual volume is judged to be inadequate.

Facilities that reuse artificial kidneys must follow quality assurance standards. This ensures that the artificial kidneys are cleaned properly and given to the appropriate patient at his or her next treatment. Each patient is assigned his or her own artificial kidney for reuse. Reused artificial kidneys (dialyzers) should never be switched between patients.

High Flux/High Efficiency Dialysis

High flux/high efficiency dialysis uses a special dialyzer that allows more molecules to be removed than with common dialysis. With a larger dialyzer, a special kidney machine, and individually prescribed treatments, dialysis times may be shortened and patient symptoms decreased. In high flux/high efficiency dialysis, the blood and dialysate pass through the dialyzer at a faster rate. As with all therapy, your doctor will help decide if you are a candidate. Incenter (Outpatient) Hemodialysis

Incenter hemodialysis is done in a facility by the staff. The dialysis center schedules dialysis treatment days and times according to the availability of openings in the unit. Every effort is made to schedule your dialysis sessions according to your specific needs. Some units offer an evening shift for patients who work during the day.

To learn more about hemodialysis treatment method:

Treatment Methods for Kidney Failure: Hemodialysis
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/hemodialysis/
Details the procedures and equipment involved in hemodialysis. Explains vascular access and dietary issues.

This information is also available in Spanish:
Métodos de tratamiento para la insuficiencia renal: Hemodiálisis
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/spanish/pubs/hemodialysis/index.htm

 

Last updated on: February 22, 2008