What are the different types of dialysis available in Canada?

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What are the different types of dialysis available in Canada?

In Canada, there are two primary types of dialysis available to treat patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis. Each type has different methods and settings for treatment, allowing for a personalized approach based on the patient’s medical needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

1. Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is the most common form of dialysis and involves filtering the blood outside of the body using a machine.

In-Center Hemodialysis

Setting: Hemodialysis is typically performed in a hospital or a dedicated dialysis clinic.
Procedure: During treatment, blood is drawn from the body, filtered through a dialyzer (artificial kidney), and then returned to the body. The process removes waste products, extra fluids, and toxins that the kidneys can no longer filter.
Frequency: Patients usually undergo treatment three times per week, with each session lasting about four hours.
Access Point: A vascular access point is required, which is typically an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, AV graft, or a central venous catheter.

Home Hemodialysis (HHD)

Setting: This type of hemodialysis is performed at the patient’s home.
Procedure: Home hemodialysis uses similar equipment to in-center hemodialysis, but the patient or a caregiver is trained to perform the procedure.
Frequency: Home hemodialysis offers flexibility, allowing patients to dialyze more frequently (e.g., five to seven times a week) for shorter periods, which can improve outcomes and quality of life.
Advantages: Patients have greater control over their treatment schedule, and more frequent dialysis can lead to better health outcomes.

2. Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis is another method where the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) acts as a natural filter to clear wastes and extra fluid from the blood.

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

Setting: This type of dialysis is done manually by the patient at home or at work.
Procedure: The patient fills the abdominal cavity with a dialysis solution through a catheter. The solution absorbs waste products and is then drained out and replaced with fresh solution. This exchange process typically happens four to five times a day.
Flexibility: CAPD does not require a machine, allowing more mobility and flexibility for the patient throughout the day.

Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD)

Setting: APD is typically performed at home while the patient sleeps.
Procedure: A machine called a cycler automatically fills and drains the dialysis solution in and out of the abdomen. This process usually takes place overnight and allows the patient to be free during the day.
Convenience: APD is more convenient for those who prefer not to perform manual exchanges during the day.

Sources:

Kidney Foundation of Canada: The foundation provides detailed information on the different dialysis options available, including patient resources and support programs (Kidney Foundation of Canada).
Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN): Offers clinical guidelines on the treatment of CKD, including the use of different types of dialysis (CSN Guidelines).
Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI): Provides statistics and reports on dialysis usage in Canada, as well as insights into trends and outcomes (CIHI Reports).

These options allow for a tailored approach to dialysis, accommodating various patient needs, whether they require in-center care or prefer the flexibility of home-based treatments.

Shelly Manning