Dialysis

In haemodialysis, a special filter called a dialyzer acts as an artificial kidney. Together with a dialysis machine, it is attached to the patient’s body to clean the blood.

How is haemodialysis performed?

In haemodialysis, a special filter that performs the function of the kidneys — an artificial kidney known as a dialyzer — and a dialysis machine are attached to the patient’s body to clean the blood. For the blood to enter the dialyzer and be cleaned, the doctor needs access to your blood vessels. For this, a minor surgery is performed, usually in the arm.

1. 1

   Access

   A minor procedure, usually in the arm, gives the doctor access to your blood vessels.

2. 2

   Filter

   Your blood flows through the dialyzer, where a thin membrane separates it from the dialysate.

3. 3

   Return

   Waste products and excess fluid are removed, and the cleaned blood returns to your body.

How does the dialyzer clean the blood?

The dialyzer has two parts — one for your blood, and the other filled with a washing fluid called dialysate. The two parts are separated by a thin membrane.

Blood cells, proteins and other important substances stay in your blood because they are too large to pass through the membrane. Smaller waste products — such as potassium, creatinine and urea — and excess fluid pass through into the dialysate and are removed, cleaning your blood.