WHAT IS HEMODIALYSIS ?
Hemodialysis is a medical operation making with some medical products (Dialyzer, Dialysis filter, Bloodline, AV Fistula Needle, Catrige Bibag, Dialysis On-Off kit, Dialysis Machine etc..) used to purify and eliminate waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform their normal function sufficiently.
It is a life-saving treatment for individuals with end-stage kidney failure or severe kidney dysfunction.
The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the body’s internal balance by filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood and excreting them as urine. However, when the kidneys fail, waste products, electrolytes, and fluids build up in the body, leading to a condition known as kidney failure or end-stage renal disease.
Hemodialysis involves the use of a hemodialysis machine, also called a dialyzer or artificial kidney, to perform the filtration process outside the body. Here’s an overview of how hemodialysis works:
- Vascular Access: To perform hemodialysis, a vascular access point is necessary to access the patient’s bloodstream. There are different types of vascular access, including arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), arteriovenous grafts (AVG), and central venous catheters (CVC). These access points allow blood to flow from the body to the hemodialysis machine and back.
- Blood Filtration: The patient’s blood is pumped from their body into the hemodialysis machine, which contains a special semipermeable membrane. Inside the machine, the blood flows on one side of the membrane, and a dialysate solution (a special fluid) flows on the other side. The dialysate solution helps draw waste products and excess fluids from the blood through the membrane, effectively filtering the blood.
- Waste Removal: During filtration, waste products like urea, creatinine, and excess electrolytes pass from the blood into the dialysate solution. The cleaned blood is then returned to the patient’s body through the vascular access point.
- Duration and Frequency: Hemodialysis treatments typically last for several hours and are usually required three times a week, although the specific schedule may vary depending on the patient’s condition and the doctor’s recommendations.
Hemodialysis helps manage kidney failure, allowing patients to maintain their health and quality of life. However, it is not a cure for kidney disease. Some patients may undergo hemodialysis while waiting for a kidney transplant, while others may require ongoing dialysis treatments for the long term.
It’s essential for patients undergoing hemodialysis to follow dietary and fluid restrictions, take prescribed medications, and attend regular medical check-ups to manage their condition effectively. Additionally, patients and their caregivers receive education on managing their health during dialysis and making lifestyle adjustments to improve overall well-being.
