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What Is Hemodialysis?

Aside from peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis is another procedure that uses a machine that filters all the excess salt, harmful wastes and fluids out from the blood. A needle is inserted into the arm through a special access point. The blood is then passed through the needle and delivered into a machine that is called dialyzer. The dialyzer filters the blood a few ounces at a time. Then the filtered blood returns to the body through another needle.

Preparations for Hemodialysis

Before a hemodialysis starts, the surgeon will create a vascular access point for the blood to leave and then re-entering to the body during the treatment. There are 3 types of access points:

1. Temporary access points – if an emergency hemodialysis is needed, the surgeon will insert a plastic tube that is called catheter into a large vein in the neck or near the groin. The tube is only temporary. If the tube is left for a long period of time, the risk of having an infection is large.
2. Arteriovenous (AV) graft – if the blood vessels of the patient are too small, the surgeon will connect a vein and an artery with a synthetic tube. The synthetic tube will work as an artificial vein, usually in the upper arm or forearm. An AV graft usually heals within 2 to 3 weeks and with proper care, an AV graft can last for several years.
3. Arteriovenous (AV) fistula – a surgically made AV fistula is connected between the vein and the artery, usually in the forearm. Once the connection is done, the arterial blood flows into the vein making it grow stronger and larger. Making repeated needle placements for the hemodialysis easier. It usually takes 6 weeks or more to heal and it can also last for years.

How Often Is Hemodialysis Needed

Most of the patients receive treatments 3 times a week and takes about 3 to 5 hours per session. This type of hemodialysis is called conventional hemodialysis that is done in dialysis centers.

A patient can choose shorter but more frequent treatments in dialysis centers. This treatment is called daily dialysis. The session is usually done 6 days a week for approximately 2 to 2 and half hours. Conventional hemodialysis is more common than the daily hemodialysis, but doctors say that daily hemodialysis often has great chance of improvements in blood pressure and quality of life.

As much as it helps alleviate the problem, there might also be some downsides. Complications of hemodialysis sessions include low flow of blood, which is caused by a blood clot to the access, and infection.

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