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Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is done using an artificial kidney machine that directly filters
the blood. This occurs by removing the blood from the body via a vein (called
a "vascular access," typically in the forearm), running it through the artificial
kidney machine (which performs the cleansing step), and reinjecting the
blood back into the same vein (but in a slightly different location).
Hemodialysis usually occurs either in a dialysis center or in the home. The
dialysis center has televisions for viewing. Most dialyzing patients will either
watch TV, read a book or magazine or nap. Most folks who dialyze via
hemodialysis are placed on a schedule that includes three days per week of
dialyzing for approximately 4 hours. This schedule will typically be either
Mon.-Wed.-Fri. or Tues.-Thurs.-Sat., and will either occur in the morning or
during the afternoon.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a procedure in which the natural lining of the
abdominal cavity is used as a filter. This lining, called the
peritoneal membrane, is richly supplied with small blood vessels. Types of PD
include continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and continuous
cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD).
PD is done by instilling about two quarts of a special fluid (dialysate)
through a catheter into the abdominal cavity and periodically draining and
replacing the fluid. PD requires that a permanent catheter be placed into the
abdominal cavity. This soft plastic tube is about 12 inches long with only 45 inches remaining outside the body. It is placed below the level of the
umbilicus (belly button) and usually to either side of it. The catheter