This is the most common form of dialysis treatment. Hemodialysis requires an “access” which allows your treatment to be performed, in which two needles are inserted into your vein. One needle is connected to the tubing which takes your blood out of your body to be cleaned. Blood is circulated through a machine which contains a dialyzer (also called an artificial kidney). The dialyzer has two spaces separated by a thin membrane. Blood passes on one side of the membrane and dialysis fluid passes on the other. The wastes and excess water pass from the blood through the membrane into the dialysis fluid, which is then discarded. The cleaned blood is returned to your bloodstream through the second needle. Removing the harmful wastes and extra salt and fluids helps control your blood pressure and keep the proper balance of chemicals in your body.
In PD, a soft tube called a catheter is used to fill your abdomen with a cleansing liquid called dialysis solution. This fluid and tubing is connected to your catheter, which is hung on a pole with wheels. The solution contains a sugar called dextrose that will pull wastes and extra fluid into the abdominal cavity. These wastes and fluid then leave your body when the dialysis solution is drained. The used solution, containing wastes and extra fluid, is then thrown away. The process of draining and filling is called an exchange and takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
The period the dialysis solution is in your abdomen is called the dwell time. A typical schedule calls for four exchanges a day, each with a dwell time of 4 to 6 hours. This type of dialysis is called Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD).
Another form of PD, continuous cycler-assisted peritoneal dialysis (CCPD), requires a machine called a cycler to fill and drain your abdomen, usually while you sleep. CCPD is also sometimes called Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD). This is a wonderful option for people who work, want more freedom from dialysis during the day or who need help with dialysis.
