The kidneys are very important anatomical structures that allow the human body to filter excess water and waste from the blood. Like most organ systems in the body, the kidneys are highly susceptible to damage caused by illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive kidney disorders, congenital disease, and many others. Some illnesses result in sudden damage while others require a long period of time. If the damage is advanced, a medical procedure known as hemodialysis may be required.
Hemodialysis is a medical procedure that uses a machine, known as a dialyzer, to remove waste and excess fluid from the body. Individuals who require dialysis are usually scheduled to visit a medical clinic at least three times each week where they receive three to five hours of treatment each time. Some patients may benefit from the ability to perform dialysis at home while they sleep. Home dialysis therapy is typically more convenient for patients and can improve overall health outcomes.
During the dialysis process, blood is directed from the blood vessels to the dialyzer through a tube. As the blood is processed by the dialyzer, it passes by a semipermeable membrane that allows toxins and excess water to leave the bloodstream. While dialysis can replace some of the filtration that would normally be performed by the kidneys, it is unable to compensate entirely for the loss in kidney function. …Click Here to Continue Reading