Haemodiafiltration

Haemodiafiltration: An Overview

Haemodiafiltration is a type of advanced dialysis used to treat patients with kidney failure. It is a combination of traditional haemodialysis with the added principles of convective solute removal found in haemofiltration. This method improves both removal of waste products from the body and providing substances like electrolytes to the blood, resulting in improved physical performance and better overall health.

Haemodiafiltration works by sending a person’s blood through a dialysis machine that is made up of several parts, including: a dialyser, a pump, a dialysate delivery system, and a monitor. The dialyser is a filter where the blood, passing through it, is cleaned of toxins and waste products. The pump helps maintain a steady flow of blood throughout the dialyser, while the dialysate delivery system is used to regulate the pressure under which the dialyser operates. The monitor is employed to keep track of the various blood levels and parameters during the dialysis process, ensuring it is safe and effective.

The process of haemodiafiltration follows these basic steps:

• The dialyser filters out waste products and other unwanted substances from the blood.
• A solution of fluids and electrolytes, known as dialysate, is added to the blood.
• The dialysate is used to remove excess fluids and electrolytes that have built up in the blood.
• The filtered blood is returned to the body.

Haemodiafiltration is an effective method of cleaning the blood, removing excesses and providing nourishment to the body- all with minimal stress on the body. It is, however, time-consuming and requires the patient to remain connected to the machine for several hours. Additionally, it is an expensive treatment, depending on the type of machine being used, and the length of treatment selected. Patients undergoing haemodiafiltration need to have a central venous catheter surgically implanted in their body so that the dialysis machine can be attached to the device.

Haemodiafiltration is ideal for treating chronic renal disorders in patients that require frequent and lengthy treatments. It is also used for removing toxins that can not be removed by traditional methods that depend on the body’s natural metabolic processes. Additionally, special immune molecules and many other solutes and substances, not removable via haemodialysis, can be easily removed through haemodiafiltration.