Dialysis using an artificial kidney outside the body is called haemodialysis. A machine is used to pump blood from the child to the artificial kidney and it is inside the artificial kidney where the dialysis takes place usually over three to four hours, three times a week. To perform this type of dialysis it is necessary to gain access to the blood stream so that the blood can be taken from and given back to the child. The type of access used will depend upon the age of the child and how long the dialysis will be needed.
The traditional form of access is a fistula. This requires an operation to connect an artery to a vein usually in the forearm. However, fistulas can be difficult to create in children, take time to develop and require repeated needles. Alternatively, a special catheter may be used which is placed into one of the large veins in the neck and hidden under the skin so that only the end is exposed on the chest. Needles are not required for haemodialysis or blood sampling with this catheter. Since haemodialysis usually takes place in hospital your child will need to be accompanied to the hospital for these sessions. Education may be provided by a hospital school.
NKF Controlled Document No. 174, Your Child & Chronic Renal Failure — An introductory manual for families — Haemodialysis, written 12 June 2004.
Content compiled by members of the Children’s Renal & Urology Unit, QMC, Nottingham.
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.
Page created: 12 June 2004
Last updated: 15 August 2007
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