Dialysis Machine

Hospital (old method)

A hemodialysis machine is a complex device that filters and cleans a patient’s blood when their kidneys are helpless. hemodialysis machine simulates kidney function by removing waste, salt, and excess fluid from the blood. Below are the key parts and their functions:

1.   Blood Pump

Function: The blood pump is the heart of the machine. It draws blood from the patient’s body through the vascular access (usually via an arteriovenous fistula or graft) and pushes it into the dialyzer (artificial kidney).

 

Role: Maintains a constant flow of blood, typically around 300-500 mL/min.

2.   Dialyzer (Artificial Kidney)

Function: The dialyzer is the component where blood is filtered. It has two compartments:

Blood compartment: Blood flows through one side.

Dialysate compartment: Dialysate (a special fluid) flows through the other side.

Role: A semipermeable membrane separates the two compartments. Waste products, excess electrolytes, and water pass from the blood into the dialysate, while essential substances like proteins and blood cells remain in the blood.

3.   Dialysate Delivery System

Function: This system prepares, heats, and delivers dialysate to the dialyzer. Dialysate is a solution of water, electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium), and chemicals that helps in the removal of waste from the blood.

Role: The dialysate’s composition is tailored to the patient’s needs, and it is carefully monitored to ensure proper waste removal. The temperature is also regulated to prevent hypothermia.

4.   Heparin Pump

Function: This pump administers heparin, an anticoagulant, into the bloodline to prevent clotting during the dialysis process.

Role: Ensures the smooth flow of blood through the system and prevents blood clots from forming within the machine or the patient’s blood vessels.

5.   Monitors and Sensors

 

• Blood Pressure Monitors
• Air Bubble Detector
• Blood Leak Detector
• Temperature Sensors
• Conductivity Sensors
• Venous and Arterial Pressure Monitors

6.   Ultrafiltration Control

Function: This part controls the amount of fluid removed from the patient’s blood.

Role: The machine can adjust how much fluid is drawn off to maintain the right balance. Ultrafiltration is crucial for patients with fluid overload.

7.   Air Trap and Air Detector

Function: This component removes any air bubbles from the blood before it is returned to the patient.

Role: An alarm system is triggered if air is detected to prevent the risk of air entering the bloodstream.

8.   Venous Return Monitor

Function: After filtration, the cleaned blood is returned to the patient’s body through a second needle (venous access). This monitor ensures the safe return of blood.

Role: It controls the return pressure and ensures proper flow, preventing complications.

9.   Control Panel and Alarms

Function: The control panel is the interface where the healthcare provider sets the dialysis parameters such as blood flow rate, dialysate composition, and treatment duration.

 

Role: The machine is equipped with various alarms to detect problems such as abnormal blood pressure, conductivity, air in the bloodline, or issues with ultrafiltration.

10.   Fluid Removal System (UF Pump)

Function: This system removes excess water from the blood via ultrafiltration. It controls how much fluid is drawn out based on the patient’s needs.

Role: Crucial for patients who have excess fluid buildup, preventing complications like high blood pressure or fluid overload.

11.   Heater

Function: The dialysate must be warmed to body temperature to prevent hypothermia. The heater ensures that the dialysate entering the dialyzer is neither too cold nor too hot.

Role: Maintains patient comfort and blood stability during the procedure.

12.   Waste Management System

Function: This system collects the used dialysate containing the filtered waste products and removes it from the machine.

Role: Ensures that waste is safely removed from the dialyzer and disposed of without contaminating the rest of the system.

13.   Power Supply and Battery Backup

Function: The machine typically runs on electricity, but in case of power failure, it has a battery backup to ensure uninterrupted dialysis.

Role: Provides emergency power, allowing time for safe shutdown or treatment continuation in critical cases.