Hemodialyse II: Procedure en Complicaties

During hemodialysis, two large-bore needles are inserted into the patient's fistula or graft to create a blood circuit.

One needle draws blood into the hemodialysis machine, while the other returns the filtered blood to the patient.

Heparin is usually administered before or at the start of the session to prevent clot formation.

Blood flows through tubing into the dialyzer, a cartridge containing thousands of hollow fibers made from cellulose or synthetic materials. These fibers serve as semipermeable membranes, allowing waste products and excess fluids to diffuse out of the blood into a dialysate solution.

The filtered blood then merges into a single tube and returns to the patient.

After hemodialysis, the needles are removed, and pressure is applied to the puncture sites to ensure hemostasis.

Most patients undergo hemodialysis for 3-4 hours three times a week. Alternatives include long nighttime hemodialysis, lasting 6-8 hours up to six times per week.

Common complications of hemodialysis include hypotension due to rapid fluid removal and muscle cramps due to electrolyte imbalances.