The kidneys perform a very important function in the body, as they help cleanse the blood, remove excess fluid, and normalize the water-alkaline balance. The cessation of the functioning of this organ leads to intoxication of the body and death of the patient. To avoid death and improve the well-being of a person before a transplant operation, an "artificial kidney" apparatus is used.
What is hemodialysis for
Due to various pathologies, the amount of functional kidney tissue is sharply reduced. This condition is called kidney failure. There are certain factors that contribute to its occurrence, in particular, such as:
- pyelonephritis;
- oncological diseases;
- deterioration of metabolic processes;
- diseases of the hematopoietic organs.
Renal failure provokes intoxication of the body, leads to the accumulation of metabolic products and toxins in the blood, as well as insufficiently good fluid excretion.
In this case, a transplant of this organ is indicated,however, the process of waiting for a suitable donor can take a long time, so an "artificial kidney" machine is used. Hemodialysis helps to prolong the life of the patient, makes it possible to maintain a normal state before the transplant, and also allows you to lead an active life.
Main types of devices
Hemodialysis can be carried out not only in a hospital, but also at home, as there are small devices for home use or permanent wear.
From a functional point of view, the "artificial kidney" apparatus differs only in some technical characteristics and membrane area. In addition, the level of manufacturability is of great importance, since in modern devices the solution is prepared by the equipment itself according to the available indicators.
The monitoring system is quite good and allows you to control the level of change in pressure or hemoglobin, and then independently adjust the composition of the solution. However, this can only be done by the bulky apparatus "artificial kidney" Dialog +, as well as devices Gambra, Baxter-1550, used in a hospital. The capabilities of portable models, especially those designed to be worn on the belt, are severely limited.
Inpatient devices
Modern medical devices for hemodialysis are a high-speed and high-precision computer designed for high-quality and continuous monitoring of the patient's condition andanalysis of indicators. The "artificial kidney" apparatus "Fresenius" is considered to be a fairly good and functional device. Its main advantage is that the developers have implemented modern software. This saves doctors from constant monitoring.
The 4008S artificial kidney machine can automatically calculate the flow rate of the solution, control the dosage, monitor the hemoglobin level, and also measure blood pressure.
Portable home appliances
Now widely produced devices designed for home use. Manufacturers of "artificial kidney" devices every year improve their products more and more, and the most modern of them are put on a belt and weigh only 4-7 kilograms. In this case, hemodialysis is performed daily, and the duration of the procedure is 2-4 hours. Many doctors consider this method the most effective, so it is very common in European countries. Despite the fact that the price of an "artificial kidney" device for home use is quite high (from 5 thousand dollars), many people prefer to use this particular type of product.
The main advantages of this method include safety and ease of use. However, there are some disadvantages of the device, which include high cost, as well as the need for observation.he alth worker, especially at first.
Artificial kidney function
The device "artificial kidney" is used in the event that its own body loses its functionality by 85-90%. This device helps:
- remove urea from blood;
- improve metabolic processes;
- remove excess fluid;
- control acid-base balance;
- prevent blood clots.
In addition, it helps to saturate the blood with air, which improves the patient's well-being. Thanks to modern portable technology, hemodialysis can be performed at any convenient time without leaving home.
How the device works
The principle of operation of the apparatus "artificial kidney" is based on the fact that the device takes blood from the patient, purifies it and returns it back. The device consists of 3 main blocks that perform a different function. The blood processing unit consists of pumps for its transportation, an air removal system, as well as sensors that allow you to monitor the level of pressure in the veins and arteries. The block for creation of solution includes system of mixing of water and a concentrate. It also includes a system for monitoring the level of filtration and detecting blood in solution. The dialyzer includes a membrane designed for hemodialysis.
According to its structure, the device can be lamellar or capillary. Plate devices are characterized by the fact that with their help it is very convenientcontrol the level of blood filtration, and they also reduce the risk of thrombosis.
Capillary devices are characterized by the fact that they use a membrane through which blood is supplied in one direction, and the dialysate solution is returned, ready for long-term use.
A group of scientists in 2010 developed a device implanted in the patient's body and successfully put it into practice. Such a device is compact and does not cause inconvenience. It works by intense blood pressure and does not require electricity.
How the machine works
The principle of operation of the device "artificial kidney" is based on the fact that it is connected to the human circulatory system, the blood from the venous system begins to move to the membrane. On the other side comes the dialysis solution for purification. As a result, the blood gets rid of toxins. The purified blood then flows back into the venous system.
Dialysate is prepared in advance, taking into account the characteristics of the patient and his physical condition. The system of the device independently creates a solution, using distilled water and a concentrated agent for this, according to the available parameters. After the procedure, its effectiveness is evaluated according to several parameters.
Carrying out hemodialysis on the machine "artificial kidney"
Blood cleaning is generally done 2-4 times a week. With the course of the acute form of the disease, its daily implementation is shown. The process itself is controlled by a nephrologist orresuscitator and can take from 2 to 7 hours.
Hemodialysis is performed in a hospital or outpatient clinic. Before the procedure, you need to weigh the patient to determine the amount of excess fluid that needs to be removed from the body, as well as measure the pulse and pressure. Then the patient sits in a chair, the doctor inserts a catheter into the vein and connects it to the device. The blood is sucked into the dialyzer chamber, then passed through the filtration system and returned in a purified form back to the body. The composition of the solution and its concentration are determined individually for each patient.
During hemodialysis, the patient must be in a calm state and lie still. After that, the level of urea is measured.
Feedback from patients and doctors about the hemodialysis procedure is mixed. Many believe that this is the only salvation when there is no possibility of organ transplantation. Doctors say that thanks to the advent of modern devices, the procedure has become safer, and if it is carried out correctly, patients can live 20-30 years. However, maintaining a he althy lifestyle and diet is also important.
Some patients report the appearance of side effects after the procedure, as well as deterioration. Doctors note that the body of each person is individual, so you should not expect the same effect of the device on different people.
Indications for the procedure
Apparatus "artificialkidney" is used in pathological conditions when there is no other way to cleanse the blood of accumulated poisons and toxins. The main indications for the procedure include:
- acute renal failure;
- chronic deficiency;
- pyelonephritis;
- hyperhydration;
- poisoning with toxic substances;
- ethyl alcohol poisoning.
All these diseases are not an absolute indication for blood purification, therefore, before prescribing the procedure, it is necessary to take blood and urine tests to determine the level of harmful substances. It can also be prescribed for diabetes mellitus, as the sugar level normalizes, which helps to prolong the life of the patient.
Contraindications for the procedure
Hemodialysis also has certain contraindications that must be taken into account. Contraindications include conditions such as:
- blood diseases;
- heart disease;
- damage to the central system and various mental disorders;
- infectious diseases;
- severe hypertension;
- tuberculosis of internal organs;
- oncological diseases.
In addition, one of the contraindications is the age of the patient over 80 years.
Dieting
The results of hemodialysis are largely dependent on nutrition. In this case, non-compliance with the diet can lead to a deterioration in the condition. She is assigned toon an individual basis, since it is very important to take into account the recommendations of a nephrologist, cardiologist and endocrinologist. The main principles of the diet are:
- limited s alt intake;
- eliminate potassium-rich foods from the diet;
- eliminate foods that promote fluid retention;
- controlling the amount of calcium in the body;
- reduce sugar intake.
It is also advisable to limit fluid intake and monitor your weight, as gaining a few kilograms indicates an unbalanced diet. Products are preferably boiled or steamed. Nutrition should be fractional and balanced.
Possible complications and side effects
The blood purification procedure is not as safe as we would like. An artificial kidney in some cases leads to side effects such as:
- itching of the skin at the insertion site of the catheter;
- decrease in red blood cells;
- pressure surges;
- pain and muscle cramps;
- sleep disorders;
- decrease in bone strength.
There is also the possibility of more serious complications, such as inflammation of the pericarditis. Equipment failure may occur, resulting in the death of the patient.
