Explanation of Kidney Dialysis

Kidney dialysis is a lifesaving medical treatment used to mimic the functions of the kidneys in patients who are experiencing end-stage kidney failure. When your kidneys work at 10 percent or less of their usual capacity, you need dialysis to sustain your life.

Function

• Dialysis filters harmful toxins, certain minerals and elements, and excess fluid from your body. Without dialysis, patients with kidney failure develop unhealthy levels of sodium, potassium and bicarbonate, and may experience heart problems and elevated blood pressure.

Hemodialysis

• Hemodialysis is a type of dialysis that utilizes a machine called a hemodialyzer, which acts as an artificial kidney. The machine draws blood from your body and sends it through the hemodialyzer where it is filtered, and then recycled to your body.

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

• You may perform continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis on your own by inserting a bag of dialysate fluid into a catheter that is surgically inserted into your abdomen. The fluid draws out all waste elements from your bloodstream and then drains out.

Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis

• Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis uses a machine called a cycler to transport dialysate fluid into your bloodstream in a manner similar to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. You use the cycler during the night, when it inserts and drains numerous times.

Locations

• You can receive hemodialysis in a hospital or an outpatient dialysis center. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is versatile, and you can use it as you go through your day-to-day activities, while continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis typically takes place in your home.