Frequently Asked Questions
What is hemodiafiltration?
Hemodiafiltration (HDF) is an alternative blood purification process that removes larger uremic toxins than those removed by hemodialysis.
With this process, blood is pumped through a high-flow dialyzer, causing a significant amount of uremic plasma (a component of uremic blood that is being cleared) to be forced through the membrane, removing large, slow-diffusing toxins from the blood. As in hemodialysis, differences in concentration between the dialysis solution and the blood are also used to filter toxins from the blood, but in hemodiafiltration there is an infusion of purified or sterile replacement fluid, which enters the blood to replace the flow of uremic plasma that has been forced through the membrane. Hemodiafiltration is used for the effective removal of small and large molecules.
What is peritoneal dialysis?
Peritoneal dialysis is a dialysis technique that uses the peritoneal membrane as a filter to clean the blood and remove excess body water, with the particularity that it can be performed at home. This technique can be performed continuously, i.e., overnight for 8 to 12 hours, or intermittently during the day, repeating the procedure known as exchange 3 to 5 times a day.
What is a kidney transplant?
A kidney transplant may be a treatment option in cases of chronic kidney failure. A kidney transplant involves placing a new kidney in the body, either from a living or deceased donor. It is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. The balance between risks and benefits varies depending on the patient's age and other health problems. For many patients awaiting a transplant or who are not eligible for this procedure, dialysis can adequately replace kidney function.
Can I undergo dialysis at another clinic of my choice?
Dialysis on Vacation is a possible plan. Contact the office of your center, social worker, or head nurse, who will forward your request to the desired clinic or other destination. Learn more at Dialysis on Holidays
I am a foreigner, I am on dialysis, and I would like to spend my vacation in Portugal. What should I do?
Contact geral-pt@davita.com and let us know your desired destination.
See our centers in Portugal: click here..
