DIALYSIS FOR PATIENTS IN END STAGE RENAL FAILURE

What is Dialysis and Who Needs it?

Dialysis is the removal of toxins and fluids from the body that is normally a function of the kidneys.There are two types of dialysis. The first is Hemodialysis (meaning through the blood).The second is Peritoneal dialysis (meaning through the abdomen).Patients that are in kidney failure need dialysis to sustain life, while waiting for a transplant.

KidneysThe kidneys are the size of a fist, yet they

filter all of the toxins and excess fluid from a human body

Two types of Dialysis

Top picture is HemodialysisLower picture is Peritoneal dialysis

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is the process of removing all of a patients blood, filtering it and returning it.

A patient has an artery and a vein tied together, this is called a fistula.

A needle is placed in the artery to remove the dirty blood. The blood is forced through a filter and the fluid and toxins are removed.

The clean blood is returned through a needle placed in the vein.

This process takes about 4 hours.

Fistula in a patients arm

This is where the artery and vein are tied together, just below the skin. It is labeled with the depth of

the fistula.

A Hemodialysis Machine

This machine pulls the blood from your body and runs it through the filter shown. Then the blood is pumped back

into the body.

HemodialysisThe patient will remain on the machine for about 4

hours

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is the process of adding a filtering fluid into the abdomen, letting it dwell and then draining it.

This process is preferred by some patients because they do not have to be stuck with a needle each time.

It can also be done at home, which some find more convenient.

This alternative has a higher risk of infection and is not worth the risk to some patients.

Peritoneal DialysisThis is the process of fluid entering the abdomen. It will

dwell there for 4-8 hours collecting fluid and toxins, before draining.

Peritoneal DialysisThis is fluid and toxins leaving the abdomen

Dialysis is Life Sustaining

Without dialysis almost 100,000 people would die each year while awaiting a transplant.

Although it is an emotional and physical toll on patients, it provides a temporary, life sustaining fix to a problem that would inevitably end their life.