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Hemodialysis is the most common treatment method used to treat advanced kidney failure. During the treatment blood is allowed to flow, a few ounces at a time, through a special filter that removes wastes and extra fluids. Once clean, the blood is returned to the body. Removing the harmful wastes and excess fluids helps to control the blood pressure and keep the proper balance of chemicals such as potassium and sodium in the body. Hemodialysis is usually needed three times a week for 3 to 5 or more hours each visit.

During peritoneal dialysis a soft tube called a catheter is used to fill the abdomen with a cleansing liquid called dialysis solution. The abdominal cavity walls are lined with peritoneum, a membrane which allows waste products and extra fluid to pass from the blood into the dialysis solution. The dialysis solution contains a sugar called dextrose that will pull wastes and extra fluid into the abdominal cavity. This process usually calls for four daily procedures, each about 30 to 40 minutes long, although different types of peritoneal dialysis have different schedules of daily procedures.

Continuous renal replacement therapy mimics the functions of the kidneys in regulating water, electrolytes, and wastes by continuing 24 hours a day, for several days, slowly removing fluid and solutes. The concept behind continuous renal replacement therapy is to perform dialysis more slowly as the kidneys would normally perform. Removing fluid more slowly and in smaller volumes in hours or days may provide enhanced hemodynamic stability. Intensive care patients are more prone to this technique, as they are usually already bed-bound.

All apheresis procedures involve separating components of the patient’s blood through a tube connected to a machine. After blood removal, the blood is separated into three sections: plasma, platelets and leukocytes. The desired component of the blood is then removed, while the remaining components of blood are reinfused back into the patient. This procedure is painless and typically takes about two hours.

Hemodialysis is the most common treatment method used to treat advanced kidney failure. During the treatment blood is allowed to flow, a few ounces at a time, through a special filter that removes wastes and extra fluids. Once clean, the blood is returned to your body. Removing the harmful wastes and excess fluids helps to control the blood pressure and keep the proper balance of chemicals such as potassium and sodium in your body. Hemodialysis is usually needed three times a week for 3 to 5 or more hours each visit.

During peritoneal dialysis a soft tube called a catheter is used to fill the abdomen with a cleansing liquid called dialysis solution. The abdominal cavity walls are lined with peritoneum, a membrane which allows waste products and extra fluid to pass from the blood into the dialysis solution. The dialysis solution contains a sugar called dextrose that will pull wastes and extra fluid into the abdominal cavity. The peritoneal dialysis process usually calls for four procedures a day, each about 30 to 40 minutes long, although different types of peritoneal dialysis have different schedules of daily procedures.

Many people who choose nocturnal dialysis report having a better quality of life. There is more time for patients to work, attend school, take care of their children and enjoy social events during the day because they are not spending their daytime hours on dialysis. Nocturnal dialysis allows the patient to receive 6 to 8 hours of treatment three nights a week while sleeping. This longer, slower treatment is easier on the body, and optimizes blood purification, since the gradual removal of toxins and excess fluids more closely mimics the normal kidney function.