Question

Explain the mechanism involved in the use of the dialysis machine

with references

Answer 1

Ans :

1.Dialysis machine procedure:

First, you’ll need minor surgery to create direct access to your bloodstream. This can be done in a few ways:

Fistula (also known as arteriovenous fistula or A-V fistula): An artery and vein are joined together under the skin in your arm. Most of the time, this is done in the one you don’t write with. An A-V fistula needs 6 weeks or longer to heal before it can be used for hemodialysis. Then, it can be used for many years.

Graft (arteriovenous graft or A-V graft): A plastic tube is used to join an artery and vein under your skin. This heals in only 2 weeks, so you can start hemodialysis faster. This won’t last as long as a fistula. You’ll likely need another graft after a few years.

The risk of infection is greater with a graft. You’ll also have to see your doctor more often so he can make sure the graft stays open.

Catheter (central venous catheter): This method is an option if you need to start hemodialysis very quickly. A flexible tube (catheter) is put into a vein in your neck, below your collarbone, or next to your groin. It’s only meant to be used for a short time.

During hemodialysis, you’ll sit or lie back in a chair. A tech will place two needles in your arm where the fistula or graft is located. A pump in the hemodialysis machine slowly draws out your blood, then sends it through another machine called a dialyzer. This works like a kidney and filters out extra salt, waste, and fluid. Your cleaned blood is sent back into your body through the second needle in your arm. Or,  if there’s a catheter, blood comes out of one port and then is returned via a second port.

You can have hemodialysis in a hospital, a dialysis treatment center, or at home. If you have it in a center, the sessions last 3 to 5 hours, and you’ll likely only need them three times a week. If you have hemodialysis at home, you’ll need treatments 6 or 7 days for 2 to 3 hours each time.

Some people read or watch TV during treatment. If you have hemodialysis at home, you may be able to do it at night while you sleep.

Peritoneal dialysis:

It uses the lining of your belly to filter your blood. A few weeks before you start treatment, a catheter is placed near your navel. Once the area heals, you’ll be trained on how to do PD since you’ll be giving it to yourself.

You’ll use the catheter to transfer dialysis solution from a bag into your belly. This special fluid contains water with salt and other additives. It soaks up waste and extra fluids inside your body. After a few hours, you’ll drain it out into a separate bag. This process is called an “exchange.”

Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD): This uses a machine to do your exchanges.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD): You’ll do your exchanges by hand.

You’ll likely do four to six exchanges each day. Your doctor can help you decide which type fits your lifestyle. Some people do both.