At Innovative Renal Care, delivering more tomorrows to our patients, their families, and friends drives every decision we make. From the care teams we build to the technology we invest in, everything is designed with one goal in mind – exceptional patient care. 

What is Home Dialysis? 

Home dialysis is a convenient and flexible alternative to in-center dialysis treatments, eliminating the need to travel to and from the dialysis center several times weekly. This approach empowers patients to manage their health more independently, with support from Innovative Renal Care specialists and a trusted care partner. 

There are two main types of home dialysis available to patients. Home hemodialysis, also known as HHD, filters blood outside the body using a dialyzer. Peritoneal dialysis, also known as PD, uses the body’s own peritoneum as a natural filter. This blog explains how each works, how they differ, and what to expect when getting started. 

What Is Home Hemodialysis (HHD)? 

Home hemodialysis works the same way as in-center hemodialysis. Your blood is filtered and cleaned outside your body using an artificial kidney called a dialyzer. The dialyzer eliminates excess fluids, toxins, and other waste products that your kidneys can no longer remove on their own. Once your blood is cleaned, it is returned to your body. 

How Often Is HHD Performed? 

HHD can be performed in two different ways: 

• Conventional HHD is performed three times a week for three to four hours or more per session based on your prescription 
• Short daily HHD can be offered more frequently, such as 4 to 6 times a week for shorter time periods 

Shorter and more frequent dialysis sessions help reduce symptoms of headaches, nausea, cramping, and feeling washed out after treatment. 

Nocturnal Hemodialysis 

Nocturnal hemodialysis is another form of HHD performed while you sleep. Most patients do this kind of dialysis 5 to 6 nights a week or every other night for approximately six to eight hours, depending on your doctor’s prescription and your normal sleep patterns. 

What Is Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)? 

Peritoneal dialysis is another option for patients looking for more flexibility and convenience. Unlike hemodialysis, which requires filtering blood outside the body through a dialyzer, peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneum as a natural filter. The peritoneum is a membrane lining inside the abdominal cavity. This lining is used to help filter and remove waste products from your blood. 

How Does Peritoneal Dialysis Work? 

A sterile dialysis solution is introduced into the abdominal cavity through a catheter, a soft tube implanted into the abdominal wall. The solution remains in the peritoneal cavity for a prescribed period known as dwell time. 

During dwell time: 

• The solution draws waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream through the peritoneum 
• The dialysate is then drained, carrying away toxins and excess fluid 
• New fluid is added at the start of each treatment 

Peritoneal dialysis can be performed in two ways: 

• Manually by the patient or care partner 
• With the help of a machine known as a cycler 

Where Can PD Be Performed? 

One of the key advantages of peritoneal dialysis is its flexibility. This type of dialysis can be done at home, at work, or while you travel. It is a suitable option for many individuals with kidney disease who wish to avoid frequent visits to a dialysis center. However, it requires a dedicated care routine and close monitoring to ensure effectiveness and safety. 

Training and Getting Started 

Home dialysis is a medical procedure and requires proper training, education, and guidance. Before beginning home dialysis, your nephrologist or dialysis care team will explain the procedure, assess your home environment, and evaluate your ability and willingness to self-manage your care. If approved, you can begin training. 

What Does Training Include? 

Home dialysis is a medical procedure and requires proper training, education, and guidance. Here are the general steps involved: 

• Determining eligibility — your nephrologist or dialysis care team will explain the process, assess your home environment, and evaluate your ability and readiness to safely perform the treatment and related at-home care 
• Personalized education — you and your designated care partner will receive important safety, technical, infection control, equipment set up and maintenance, and emergency response training 
• Setting up treatment and space — you will need a designated space in your home to perform your treatments, and you will learn how to set up the dialysis machine, and to store supplies 
• Accessing the dialysis port – you will need surgery to create an access point to complete your treatment, and you will learn how to care for and safely connect to your access 
• Monitoring — you learn how to monitor the dialysis machine, your vital signs, and the dialysis process 
• Innovative Renal Care can provide the training, support, and guidance needed to begin dialysis treatments from the comfort of home. 

Equipment and Supplies 

Your dialysis care team along with a medical supplier will provide the prescribed supplies and equipment needed for home dialysis. Equipment will be delivered to your home and set up as needed. A member of your care team will help you properly prepare your home for equipment, designate treatment and storage areas, and organize the space. 

How IRC Supports Home Dialysis Patients 

Innovative Renal Care is leading the industry in treating and managing patients with or at high risk of end-stage renal disease. Our home dialysis program is built around: 

• Personalized care that fits your lifestyle 
• Education and resources to improve your health 
• Expert support, right from the comfort of your home 

While home dialysis treatments eliminate your need to travel back and forth from an Innovative Renal Care clinic several times a week, regular dialysis center visits and follow-ups are crucial to your treatment plan. These visits allow our skilled dialysis care team to evaluate your overall health and adjust your treatment plan if needed to ensure optimal health outcomes. 

Patients are at the core of everything we do. We provide comprehensive support by meeting patient needs beyond dialysis treatment, whether that is evaluating treatment options, coordinating care, navigating insurance questions, or educating on a kidney-friendly diet. Our goal is to deliver exceptional care so that every patient can live their best possible life. 

Schedule a consultation to find out if at-home dialysis is right for you. 

Learn more about our ongoing commitment to deliver more tomorrows to our patients, their families, and friends.