Dialysis Overview

Purpose of Dialysis

• Dialysis is recommended when kidneys fail to function properly.
• Healthy kidneys filter waste, excess fluid, and electrolytes like potassium and sodium from the blood.
• Waste is expelled through urine.
• Kidney Disease: Leads to accumulation of harmful wastes, fluid, increased blood pressure, bone, or blood problems.
• Dialysis Uses:
  • Treats chronic kidney disease.
  • Manages acute kidney failure.
  • Removes drugs or poisons from the body.

Types of Dialysis

Hemodialysis

• Utilizes a machine called a dialyzer to clean blood outside the body.
• Requires preparation of a vascular access site:
  • Arteriovenous Graft: Inserting a soft plastic tube to connect artery and vein.
  • Arteriovenous Fistula: Connecting artery and vein to create a larger vessel.
• Procedure:
  • Local anesthesia is used during creation of access.
  • Blood is drawn out, cleaned through filtering fibers and dialysate in the dialyzer.
  • Cleaned blood is returned to the body.
  • Post-session, needles and tubing are removed, patient can go home.

Peritoneal Dialysis

• Uses the membranes lining the abdomen (peritoneum) to filter blood without removing it from the body.
• Requires surgical implantation of a catheter near the belly button.
  • Dialysate enters and exits the abdomen through this catheter.
• Procedure:
  • Each session is called an exchange.
  • Abdomen is filled with dialysate, which draws out waste and fluid.
  • Dialysate with waste is drained into a disposable bag.

Key Components of Dialysis

• Dialysate: An absorbent cleaning solution used to remove waste and excess fluids.
• Filtering Fibers: Part of the dialyzer, responsible for cleaning the blood.
• Catheter: Used in peritoneal dialysis to facilitate the exchange of dialysate.