Hemodialysis uses an “artificial kidney”, called a dialyser, and a hemodialysis machine
Blood is pumped from your body through a specially prepared tubing set to the dialyser
Excess body water and waste products are removed by the dialyser
The cleaned blood is returned to the body through the tubing set
Hemodialysis (HD)
Hemodialysis uses an “artificial kidney”, called a dialyser, and a hemodialysis machine
Blood is pumped from your body through a specially prepared tubing set to the dialyser
Excess body water and waste products are removed by the dialyser
The cleaned blood is returned to the body through the tubing set
What is a dialyser?
A dialyser is made from a bundle of thin hollow fibres containing very small pores that work like a sieve.
Your blood flows inside the fibres
Waste products and water pass through the pores of the fibres, while blood cells and useful substances are retained in your blood
What is a graft?
An artificial vessel (tube) is placed under the skin attaching an artery to a vein during minor surgery
After the healing phase, the graft will be ready to use, after approximately 2 weeks
What is a fistula?
A connection made between an artery and a vein during minor surgery
It takes 6–8 weeks to fully develop and to be ready to use
Other Hemodialysis access
A temporary catheter (plastic tube) is needed when
no other functioning blood access is available
immediate dialysis is necessary
What is a dialyser?
A dialyser is a bundle of hollow fibres (small tubes) produced from a special material that allows water and waste products to pass through. At the same time blood cells and useful substances, such as proteins, are retained.
Your blood flows inside the fibres and, at the same time, dialysis fluid or “dialysate” passes around the outside of the fibres. During this process, dialysis takes place. As it passes through the dialyser, the dialysate takes up the waste products from the blood. This way the waste products are removed from your blood circuit.
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What is a graft?
Sometimes it is not possible to create a fistula. In that case a graft may be an option.
A graft is an artificial (synthetic) vessel or tube that is placed under the skin, with one end attached to an artery and the other to a vein.
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What is a fistula?
The creation of a fistula involves a minor surgical procedure.
A fistula is a connection between an artery and a vein. The increased pressure from the artery helps the vein to expand over time.
It is best to have a fistula made at least a month or two before you need to start dialysis. Placement ahead of time allows the blood access to develop fully and heal before using it.
This typically takes around 6–8 weeks.
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Other Hemodialysis access
If you need to start dialysis immediately or have problems with your fistula or graft, a temporary catheter (plastic tube) may be inserted into a vein, usually at the bottom of your neck.
The catheter remains in place between treatments.
Typically, this catheter is used until your permanent access has matured.
The temporary catheter is directly connected to the sterile tubing set.
Fistula needles are not necessary.
The use of a temporary access is not recommended for long term use.
This can lead to an increased risk of infection and clotting over time and the risk of inadequate dialysis.
