2. Dialysis is the removal of toxins and fluids from
the body that is normally a function of the
kidneys.
There are two types of dialysis. The first is
Hemodialysis (meaning through the blood).
The second is Peritoneal dialysis (meaning
through the abdomen).
Patients that are in kidney failure need dialysis to
sustain life, while waiting for a transplant.

3. The kidneys are the size of a fist, yet they filter all of
the toxins and excess fluid from a human body

4. Top picture is Hemodialysis
Lower picture is Peritoneal dialysis

5.  Hemodialysis is the process of removing all of
a patients blood, filtering it and returning it.
 A patient has an artery and a vein tied
together, this is called a fistula.
 A needle is placed in the artery to remove the
dirty blood. The blood is forced through a
filter and the fluid and toxins are removed.
 The clean blood is returned through a needle
placed in the vein.
 This process takes about 4 hours.

6. This is where the artery and vein are tied together, just
below the skin. It is labeled with the depth of the fistula.

7. This machine pulls the blood from your body and runs it through
the filter shown. Then the blood is pumped back into the body.

8. The patient will remain on the machine for about 4 hours

9.  Peritoneal dialysis is the process of adding a
filtering fluid into the abdomen, letting it dwell
and then draining it.
 This process is preferred by some patients
because they do not have to be stuck with a
needle each time.
 It can also be done at home, which some find
more convenient.
 This alternative has a higher risk of infection
and is not worth the risk to some patients.

10. This is the process of fluid entering the abdomen. It will dwell there
for 4-8 hours collecting fluid and toxins, before draining.

11. This is fluid and toxins leaving the abdomen

12.  Without dialysis almost 100,000 people would
die each year while awaiting a transplant.
 Although it is an emotional and physical toll on
patients, it provides a temporary, life
sustaining fix to a problem that would
inevitably end their life.