Dialysis

Dialysis is a complex method of filtering your blood in cases of severe kidney failure, usually in end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is usually performed at designated dialysis clinics. During dialysis, blood is extracted and filtered outside of the body with a special dialysis machine; the blood is sent back to the patient through some type of vascular access. There are three main types of vascular access: arteriovenous (AV) fistula, arteriovenous (AV) graft (placed during a separate surgical procedure), and a central venous catheter. Vascular access is needed as a separate procedure before starting dialysis.