Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is a medical treatment used to filter waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function effectively. It is primarily utilized for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI). During hemodialysis, a machine, known as a dialyzer or artificial kidney, is used to clean the blood.
The process begins by accessing the patient’s blood through a vascular access point, usually created in the arm. Blood is drawn from the body, passed through the dialyzer, where it is filtered, and then returned to the body. This procedure typically takes about three to five hours and is usually performed three times a week at a dialysis center, though some patients may also receive treatment at home.
Hemodialysis helps manage symptoms of kidney failure, such as fatigue, swelling, and high blood pressure, and it can significantly improve the quality of life for patients. While it is a life-saving procedure, it requires ongoing medical supervision and can have side effects, including low blood pressure, muscle cramps, and an increased risk of infection. Patients undergoing hemodialysis must also adhere to strict dietary and fluid restrictions to optimize treatment outcomes.
