Hemodialysis
In hemodialysis, your blood flows through a special filter that removes wastes and extra fluids. The clean blood is then returned to your body. Removing the harmful wastes and extra salt and fluids helps control your blood pressure and keep the proper balance of chemicals like potassium and sodium in your body.
Hemodialysis Options
- In Center-hemodialysis
- Home hemodialysis (at home with the direction of a local dialysis center.)
- Nocturnal dialysis (done in center and at home)
- In-Center self-care dialysis
Hemodialysis Access Choices
- Fistula – A type of vascular access that is created by connecting one of the arteries to one of the veins in the lower arm. A fistula is the most effective type of dialysis access.
- Graft – A type of vascular access that uses a piece of synthetic tubing sewn between an artery and a vein if a fistula is not available.
- Hemodialysis Catheter – Though typically not used for permanent access, a hemodialysis catheter may be used temporarily if kidney disease has progressed quickly and other access has not been obtained. In this case, a catheter is placed in a vein in the neck (jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein), or leg (femoral vein). Dialysis catheters are also used for patients needing dialysis while their permanent access develops.