Hemodialysis Access Management

Hemodialysis is a common treatment method for kidney failure that filters the blood and removes waste and extra fluids, allowing only clean blood to flow through the body. Removing the excess waste can help control blood pressure and monitor the balance of chemicals such as potassium and sodium. While this treatment can be highly effective, there are times when the filtered blood flow requires special management to ensure a healthy flow.

Hemodialysis filters may be susceptible to low blood flows as a result of clotting or narrowing of the access port. In order to correct this problem and restore proper blood flow, angioplasty or thrombolysis may be needed. Other patients may require the use of a long-term catheter to allow for a two-way flow of blood. Once blood flow is restored, the catheter can often be removed, but hemodialysis requires frequent monitoring to reduce the risk of complication.

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