If the kidneys become damaged or diseased, a dialysis machine can be used to filter the blood instead. This large machine takes up to four times longer than kidneys to clean the body’s blood – which shows what an efficient unit the kidneys are.
The dialysis machine acts as an artificial set of kidneys. Blood flows from the body to the machine, toxic waste and excess fluid are removed, and cleaned blood is returned.
Some kinds of acute kidney failure get better after treatment. In some cases of acute kidney failure, dialysis may only be needed for a short time until the kidneys get better.
In chronic or end stage kidney failure, your kidneys do not get better and you will need dialysis for the rest of your life. If your doctor says you are a candidate, you may choose to be placed on a waiting list for a new kidney.
In hemodialysis, an artificial kidney (hemodialyzer) is used to remove waste and extra chemicals and fluid from your blood. To get your blood into the artificial kidney, the doctor needs to make an access (entrance) into your blood vessels. This is done by minor surgery to your arm or leg.
Picture Credit : Google