Home Hemodialysis
If you choose to do your hemodialysis treatments at home, you will still need to choose a dialysis center so you can learn how to perform the treatments and take…
Hemodialysis at a Dialysis Center
Most people in the United States on hemodialysis have their treatments at a dialysis center. At the dialysis center, nurses and patient care technicians do most of the tasks, such…
Temporary Vascular Access
If your kidney disease has progressed quickly, you may not have time to get a long-lasting vascular access before starting hemodialysis. In this case, you may require a venous catheter–a…
Long-lasting Vascular Access
An arteriovenous (AV) fistula and an AV graft are the two types of long-lasting vascular accesses. AV fistula. A vascular surgeon creates an AV fistula by connecting an artery directly to…
What is a vascular access?
A vascular access is an artificial connection between an artery and a vein where blood is diverted toward the vein. The resulting high blood flow through the vein causes the…
Equipment and Supplies
Hemodialysis requires several pieces of equipment and many supplies for each treatment. The hemodialysis machine, dialyzer, dialysis solution, and needles are four of the most important parts in hemodialysis treatments:Hemodialysis…
Lung Diseases and Conditions
Breathing is a complex process. If injury, disease, or other factors affect any part of the process, you may have trouble breathing.For example, the fine hairs (cilia) that line your…
What Controls Your Breathing?
A respiratory control center at the base of your brain controls your breathing. This center sends ongoing signals down your spine and to the muscles involved in breathing.These signals ensure…
What Happens When You Breathe?
Breathing In (Inhalation)When you breathe in, or inhale, your diaphragm contracts (tightens) and moves downward. This increases the space in your chest cavity, into which your lungs expand. The intercostal…
The Respiratory System
The respiratory system is made up of organs and tissues that help you breathe. The main parts of this system are the airways, the lungs and linked blood vessels, and…