Hemodialysis

The most common form of treatment for end stage renal failure. Surgery is required to join one artery to a vein to form a larger vein called a fistula or loop (vein carries blood to the heart; an artery carries blood from the heart), or a straight piece of graft material tubing is implanted. An artificial kidney is used to remove waste from the blood at a person's home, outpatient clinic, or hospital. Dialysis is usually done three times a week, for three to five hours each session. All sessions are normally the same at either location.