Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for patients with kidney failure by filtering and removing waste, excess fluid, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys can no longer function correctly. But did you know Mavani Care is one of the best-known Kidney Dialysis Treatments in Ahmedabad? There are four different types of dialysis, each providing specific benefits based on the individual’s situation, lifestyle, and medical needs.
What are the 4 types of dialysis are :
1. Hemodialysis (HD)
The most familiar type of dialysis is hemodialysis, which involves a dialyzer that filters waste, salt, and excess fluid from the blood. It is usually performed in a dialysis center three times a week, and each visit takes about four hours. However, home hemodialysis is also a possibility for some patients who meet specific criteria.
How It Works :
- A surgeon establishes vascular access, most often in the arm, using a fistula, graft , or catheter.
- Blood is drawn from the body, filtered through a dialyzer, and returned.
- This process eliminates waste while keeping an electrolyte and fluid balance.
Benefits :
- Quickly effective in removing toxins.
- Healthcare professionals manage a clinic.
- Home hemodialysis options offer more flexibility.
If you are researching what are the 4 types of dialysis, the first one would be hemodialysis, and that’s why hemodialysis comes to your mind the most.
2. Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
Peritoneal dialysis, another home-based treatment, uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) to filter waste from the blood. Unlike hemodialysis, this method doesn’t use a machine, rather, it employs a special dialysis fluid, which is infused into the abdomen via a catheter.
How It Works :
- A catheter is surgically inserted into the abdomen.
- Dialysis fluid is then introduced into the peritoneal cavity, which cleanses waste.
- After several hours, the fluid is drained and replaced with a fresh solution.
Types of Peritoneal Dialysis :
- 1. Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) - this is done manually multiple times per day without a machine.
- 2. Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) : Performed using a machine overnight during the patient’s sleep.
Benefits :
- Performed at home, allowing greater flexibility.
- No need for frequent clinic visits.
- Gentler on the body compared to hemodialysis.
Understanding what are the 4 types of dialysis includes knowing how peritoneal dialysis provides an alternative for patients who prefer home-based treatment.
3. Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
CRRT is a specialized dialysis method for critically ill patients in intensive care units. Unlike traditional dialysis, CRRT is a slow and continuous process that runs 24 hours a day, ensuring stable removal of toxins and fluids for patients with severe kidney failure.
How It Works :
- Blood is continuously removed, filtered, and returned to the body at a slow rate.
- Different CRRT techniques exist, such as Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration (CVVH) and Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis (CVVHD).
- This method is managed entirely in a hospital setting under medical supervision.
Benefits :
- Home-based, giving more flexibility
- No regular trips to the clinic.
- It is less stressful on the body than hemodialysis.
CRRT is the least understood of the four types of dialysis when talking about What are the 4 Types of Dialysis, but it helps save lives in emergency medical conditions.
4. Hybrid Dialysis (HDF or SLED)
Hybrid dialysis, also known as Hemodiafiltration (HDF) or Sustained Low-Efficiency Dialysis (SLED), is a newer approach that combines elements of both hemodialysis and CRRT. This approach is usually done in hospitals on patients who are not critically ill but need a gentle dialysis process.
How It Works :
- Combines diffusion and convection techniques to remove waste and excess fluid.
- Typically performed over an extended period (e.g., 6-12 hours), allowing a more gradual treatment process.
- Helps maintain hemodynamic stability in patients who cannot tolerate traditional hemodialysis.
Benefits :
- Better at taking out urea (larger waste molecule).
- More hemodynamically stable than traditional hemodialysis
- An individualized approach can be applied.
Dialysis is a life-saving therapy for patients with renal failure, but not all dialysis modalities are equal. Understanding types of dialysis 4 in total and their benefits will help patients and families make smart decisions based on their medical needs for comfort and lifestyle.
Traditional hemodialysis, home-based peritoneal dialysis, intensive care CRRT, and advanced hybrid methods drive several benefits specific to different patient conditions. Consulting with Mavani Kidney care experts is the best way to determine which type of dialysis is right for you or your loved one.
