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All About Different Types of Dialysis Machines
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There are numerous variations of dialysis machines available, and your medical team will assist you in selecting the most appropriate one for your needs.
Dialysis machines have many different sensors to monitor blood pressure, temperature, dialysate pressure, motor speed, and dialyzer membrane pressure gradient. These are all monitored to ensure that your dialysis treatment is successful.
Venous Catheter
A vena cava line, which is also referred to as a central venous catheter or CVC, is a lengthy tube that is inserted into a vein in either the arm or chest and extends to the right atrium of the heart. It helps carry nutrients and medicine into your body and can be used to take blood.
It is used to administer medicine and nutrients directly into the body, as well as to take blood samples. The procedure involves puncturing the skin, numbing the area with medication, and inserting the catheter. The catheter is flushed with saline solution to clean it and prevent air bubbles from entering the bloodstream. It is commonly used for hemodialysis in patients who require vascular access.
Tunnelled Catheter
A tunnelled central venous catheter (CVC) is used when you need long-term access to your vein. This type of catheter is placed under the skin in a large vein near your neck, chest or groin.
To ensure that the catheter remains stably secured during its vascular residence, a specialized cuff is affixed to its extremity. This cuff helps protect against pulling it out of the vein and also adds a barrier to infection.
There are many different types of tunnelled catheters. In order to address your specific requirements, your physician shall exercise their medical expertise to select the optimal alternative for your unique case.
The most common complication of a tunnelled catheter is an infection, such as catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). To reduce this complication, studies are being conducted on chemicals that impregnate the outside and inside of the tunnelled CVC with antibacterial agents.
If you have a tunnelled central venous catheter, it’s important to shower with Hibiclens every day to lower your risk of infection. You should also wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
Hemodialysis Catheter
Hemodialysis is a life-saving treatment for people with kidney failure. It filters blood to remove extra salt, water, and waste.
The best access for hemodialysis is an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, which connects a vein in the arm to an artery. However, not all patients have AV fistulas or can undergo a procedure to create one.
When permanent vascular access isn’t available, doctors may insert a hemodialysis catheter. This is a minor procedure that can be done in about 30 minutes with local numbing medicine to the skin and relaxing medication administered through an arm. There are many catheters to choose from. They can be non-tunnelled or tunneled, and are made of polyurethane, polycarbonate, or silicone. They are designed for ease of insertion and optimal flow rates.
Peritoneal Catheter
Peritoneal dialysis is a way to remove waste products from your blood when your kidneys no longer do their job. During this procedure, a special solution called dialysate goes in and out of your belly through a soft tube.
The lining of your abdomen, or peritoneum, acts as a filter and soaks up waste products and extra fluid. The solution then drains into a bag, which is discarded.
For a standard peritoneal catheter, doctors insert it through the skin of your abdomen and belly under general anaesthesia. In about 2 weeks, the surgical site heals.
Your doctor will give you the tools and instructions you need to care for your peritoneal catheter. These include cleaning your access site daily and wearing a surgical mask when performing exchanges at home.
Your doctor will also help you choose the right peritoneal dialysis solution and schedule. They can also measure your urea clearance and our creatinine clearance to make sure you’re using the right amount of solution for you.
