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Hemodialysis
Filtration of Waste and Water
Patients with end stage kidney disease cannot get rid of extra water and waste products. Hemodialysis is a treatment for end stage kidney disease that removes extra water and waste products from your blood.
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How does hemodialysis work?
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Hemodialysis requires access to your blood (vascular access), a dialysis machine, and a dialyser (artificial kidney). Your blood flows from your vascular access and is pumped through the dialyser on the dialysis machine, and the clean blood is then returned to your body.
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There are three types of vascular access:
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Fistula - Joining one of your arteries to a vein. The vein enlarges and is known as the fistula. It is usually in your lower or upper arm and occasionally in your leg.
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Graft - Using a piece of tubing attached between one of your arteries and a vein.
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Catheter - A catheter is a tube put into a large vein. A catheter is usually only temporary until a fistula or graft is ready to use.
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You will need to take care of your access. Careful hygiene will help to prevent infection. You will be shown how to check your fistula or graft every day.
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The dialysis machine
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The dialysis machine is the engine that runs and controls your dialysis. The dialysis machine is prepared with lines, the special dialysis fluid (called dialysate) and a dialyser.
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Dialyser
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The dialyser cleans your blood and performs some of the work that your kidneys would usually do. Your blood is pumped by the dialysis machine through the bloodlines to the dialyser and back to you. The dialyser is 20 to 30 centimeters long and contains thousands of tiny hollow fibres (like hairs) that have very small holes. The blood travels through these fibres and is cleaned by the dialysate.
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Hemodialysis routine
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Dialysis is needed on a regular basis. Timing will depend on where you dialyse. If you choose to dialyse at home, your regime can be individualized. Longer hours on dialysis, which is possible with home dialysis, have important health benefits. Every dialysis session at a satellite unit or hospital is usually for 4 – 5 hours.
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