DIFFERENT DIALYSIS TREATMENTS
There are two types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, which use different approaches to removing waste from the patient’s blood to treat kidney disease.
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is dialysis that filters your blood by pumping it through a machine.
How Hemodialysis Works
A machine, called a dialyzer or an artificial kidney,
connects to your body and filters toxins from your
blood before replacing it.
​
Several months before you begin dialysis, your doctor will make an access into your blood vessels with either a fistula or a graft. Your doctor will decide which method is most suitable for your veins and arteries.
Once you are connected to the machine, your blood is filtered through a semi-permeable membrane. This filter separates small particles of waste and extra fluid from blood cells, protein and other important elements of your blood, which are larger. The clean blood then returns to your body.
Get the Treatment You Need
When Will I Have Hemodialysis?
Hemodialysis treatments are usually done in a center like Antelope Valley Kidney Institute three times a week, with each treatment lasting four hours. This treatment may vary based on doctors’ dialysis prescriptions for each individuals’ needs
According to studies conducted by the National Kidney Foundation, the proper amount of dialysis can dramatically improve a patient’s overall health, make them feel better and allow them to live longer.
Learn more about Hemodialysis.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal Dialysis is when your blood is cleaned inside of your body using the peritoneal membrane as a filter to remove waste and extra fluid. This type of dialysis does not involve blood or needles.
How Peritoneal Dialysis Works
A Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) catheter is a small flexible tube that is placed through the abdominal wall and to the peritoneal cavity. This catheter provides a way to get peritoneal dialysis solution into your peritoneal cavity. Solution flows in and out of the peritoneal cavity through the peritoneal dialysis catheter. Placing the peritoneal dialysis catheter requires a minor outpatient surgery. The peritoneal dialysis catheter can be used two weeks after surgery and as soon as peritoneal dialysis training is complete.
The Equipment (Cycler)
PD is performed on a portable dialysis machine refered to as a cycler. Antelope Valley Kidney Institute is the only dialysis provider in the Antelope Valley that is using the High-Tech AMIA cyclers for all of our peritoneal dialysis patients. The AMIA cycler is a user friendly system that has voice guidance that talks patient through specific instructions on how to use the system. An addition to the voice guidance, the system provides animation and text on a touch screen and allows clinician to review and manage patient treatment data remotely. This data provides convenience to patients and facilitates clinical decisions to made in a timely manner. The AMIA weighs 18lbs.; it is portable and can be placed in the overhead bin on an airplane making traveling on peritoneal dialysis easy and convenient.
Scheduling Your Peritoneal Dialysis
peritoneal dialysis allows you perform dialysis at night while you are sleeping leaving your day free to spend as you like; however, it is not limited to night time therapy. If it fits your schedule better it can be done during the day.
Advantage of Peritoneal Dialysis
-
You can control your own schedule
-
No blood or needles involved
-
Patients tend to have more energy and feel better
-
You don't have to travel to and from the dialysis unit for treatment
-
This kind of therapy is more like your natural kidneys - waste and fluid removed daily
-
It may require fewer medications
-
There is little to no fluid restrictions
-
Your diet is more flexible
Peritoneal Dialysis
Training Room
Peritoneal Dialysis
Cycler
Hemodialysis
Machine
