During hemodialysis, the patient’s blood is passed through a filter outside the body and then reintroduced to the patient. Tiny pores in the filter membrane filter out toxins while vital components, such as proteins, are left in the blood. Excess water can also be removed through these tiny pores. The process is controlled by a dialysis machine that is equipped with a blood pump and monitoring systems that ensure safety. The machine can also administer drugs, e.g. Heparin, to prohibit blood clotting during the treatment.





For hemodialysis, blood is taken from a vein, preferably on the patient’s lower arm. To ensure that enough blood is available for treatment, a small operation is performed to prepare the forearm vein. A bypass is established between the vein and an artery to allow higher pressure and faster blood flow. This bypass is known as a “shunt”. If no appropriate blood vessel can be used for the shunt procedure, a catheter can be placed in one of the larger blood vessels.



There are various methods are available for use in therapy. The dialysis treatment itself can be administered in either a specialized clinic or at home.

Dialysis in a clinic is usually performed three times a week on an outpatient basis and lasts four to five hours. Patients travel from home to the clinic. Experienced doctors and trained treatment personnel care for patients throughout the entire treatment. When not taking dialysis treatment, patients lead normal, everyday lives.

If a patient’s condition allows, they can perform hemodialysis at home by themselves. The patient, and usually a partner, learn self-treatment in a training center. This form of treatment offers an independence that is beneficial for the patient’s professional and social life.