Hemodialysis: A Lifeline for Kidney Disease Patients
Hemodialysis, as a concept, was first described by the Scottish chemist Thomas Graham in 1854. He is often referred to as the "Father of Dialysis" for his pioneering work in using osmosis and dialysis to separate substances through semi-permeable membranes.
Hemodialysis is a treatment used to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this function effectively.Some of the waste products that are removed during hemodialysis include:
Urea: A waste product formed from the breakdown of proteins in the body.
Creatinine: A waste product produced by muscle metabolism.
Excess salts: Such as sodium and potassium, which need to be balanced in the blood.
Phosphates: Excess phosphates can lead to bone and heart problems.
Excess fluids: Hemodialysis helps remove extra water from the body to prevent fluid overload.
These waste products are filtered out of the blood through a dialyzer, also known as an artificial kidney, and are then removed from the body.
The German doctor Georg Haas performed the first practical application of hemodialysis on humans in the 1920s. He conducted the first dialysis treatment on a patient with kidney failure at the University of Giessen in 1924. Although the initial treatments were not very successful, they laid the groundwork for future advancements in dialysis technology.
Here's a more detailed look at how it works:
1. Access to Bloodstream: To start hemodialysis, a way to access the blood is needed. This is usually done through a fistula (connecting an artery to a vein in the arm), a graft (a plastic tube connecting an artery and vein), or a catheter (a tube inserted into a large vein in the neck, chest, or leg).
2. The Dialysis Process: During the procedure, blood is removed from the body through the access site and pumped into a dialyzer (also known as an artificial kidney). The dialyzer consists of two parts: one for the blood and one for the dialysis fluid, separated by a thin membrane.
3. Filtration: As the blood flows through the dialyzer, waste products and excess fluids pass through the membrane and into the dialysis fluid. The cleansed blood is then returned to the body.
4. Duration and Frequency: Hemodialysis sessions typically last about 3 to 5 hours and are usually performed thrice weekly. However, the exact duration and frequency can vary depending on the patient's condition and treatment plan.
5. Dialysis Machines: Modern hemodialysis machines are equipped with various features to ensure patient safety and comfort. They monitor blood flow, pressure, and the composition of the dialysis fluid, among other things.
Hemodialysis can be performed in a hospital, a dialysis center, or even at home, depending on the patient's situation and preference.