A technique that uses a catheter, filter (artificial kidney) and pump to cleanse the blood of toxic waste that accumulates when the kidneys malfunction or in certain critical situations.
Some so-called intermittent dialysis can last between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the indication, but in some cases, in intensive care, continuous dialysis can be set up, i.e. lasting several days, and repeated at the end of the filter’s useful life (artificial kidney). A conscious dialysis patient may feel cold, so don’t hesitate to ask, and cover up if necessary. Other symptoms may occur less frequently, so don’t hesitate to bring them to the attention of your care team.
