Home hemodialysis

Home Hemodialysis is a treatment for kidney disease that can be done at home. This treatment involves a machine that filters the patient's blood to remove harmful wastes, extra salt, and water. Home hemodialysis allows the patient to choose a schedule that fits their lifestyle and offers more flexibility than in-center hemodialysis.

Overview

Hemodialysis is a treatment that replaces the work of your own kidneys to clear wastes and extra fluid from your blood. This is done using a machine and a dialyzer, also known as an "artificial kidney." Home hemodialysis can be done with traditional machines or smaller, portable ones.

Benefits

Home hemodialysis has several benefits over in-center hemodialysis. It allows for a more flexible treatment schedule, less dietary restrictions, and the ability to travel with the dialysis machine. It also allows for more frequent or longer treatments, which can result in better health outcomes.

Risks

Like all medical treatments, home hemodialysis has potential risks. These include infection, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, and blood clots in the dialysis access. It's important to receive proper training and follow all instructions to minimize these risks.

Training

Before starting home hemodialysis, patients and their care partners must undergo training. This typically takes several weeks and is done at a dialysis center. The training includes learning how to operate the dialysis machine, how to handle emergencies, and how to care for the dialysis access.

Equipment

The equipment needed for home hemodialysis includes a dialysis machine, dialyzer, dialysis chair, and supplies such as needles, tubing, and dialysate. Some patients may also need a water treatment system.

Costs

The cost of home hemodialysis can vary depending on insurance coverage, the type of machine used, and the amount of supplies needed. In many cases, home hemodialysis is covered by Medicare and private insurance.

See Also

• Kidney Disease
• Dialysis
• In-Center Hemodialysis
• Peritoneal Dialysis