Haemodialysis

Haemodialysis is a medical procedure used to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform these functions adequately. This condition, known as kidney failure or end-stage renal disease, requires artificial means to filter the blood. During haemodialysis, blood is drawn from the patient's body, usually through an arteriovenous fistula or graft created in an arm or leg, or via a temporary catheter. This blood is then passed through a dialyzer, also known as an artificial kidney, which contains a semipermeable membrane. On one side of the membrane, the patient's blood flows, while on the other side, a special dialysis fluid called dialysate circulates. Waste products such as urea and creatinine, along with excess electrolytes and fluid, move from the blood across the membrane into the dialysate, which is then discarded. Cleaned blood is then returned to the patient's body. Haemodialysis is typically performed multiple times a week in a clinic or hospital setting, although home haemodialysis is also an option for some patients. The procedure aims to restore the blood's chemical balance and remove toxins, helping to manage the symptoms of kidney failure and improve the patient's quality of life.