What is Hemodiafiltration Dialysis?
Hemodiafiltration represents the next major advancement in dialysis. It combines dialysis with filtration to closely mimic the natural function of the human kidney. This approach significantly improves toxin clearance by leveraging both convection and diffusion processes, providing a highly efficient alternative to traditional hemodialysis.
This is a typical four-hour dialysis session, where a patient is exposed to approximately 120 liters of water. Therefore, the water supplied to the patient must be of the purest quality. Good and efficient dialysis depends not only on the machine or technician but also on the quality and purity of water used.
Hemodiafiltration Procedure
In standard hemodialysis, up to 4 liters of water are removed from the body along with accumulated toxins through a process called diffusion. Traditional hemodialysis machines are equipped with a single blood pump and can clear toxic molecules only up to 600-2000 Daltons in size. In contrast, the human kidney naturally clears toxins up to 120,000 Daltons.
With advancements in technology and the availability of ultrapure water, hemodiafiltration is rapidly replacing conventional hemodialysis worldwide. During a four-hour hemodiafiltration session, between 48-96 liters of ultrapure water are introduced into the bloodstream and simultaneously removed, resulting in a much higher clearance of toxins. This procedure combines convection with diffusion, enabling the removal of toxic molecules up to 60,000 Daltons, thus closely replicating the clearance capabilities of a healthy kidney.
Advantages of Hemodiafiltration
Hemodiafiltration offers several distinct advantages over traditional hemodialysis:
- Enhanced toxin clearance due to the combination of convection and diffusion.
- Ability to clear larger molecules, up to 60,000 Daltons, which is much closer to the normal kidney’s capacity.
- Greater efficiency in removing accumulated toxins, thanks to the use of ultrapure water.
This method closely replicates the function of a healthy kidney, providing superior toxin removal and offering a highly effective dialysis option for patients.
What is Online Hemodiafiltration?
Online Hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) is an advanced form of hemodiafiltration, where replacement fluids are added in real time during the dialysis session. This approach is delivered in two main methods:
- Pre-dilution OL-HDF: Replacement fluid is added before the blood enters the filter. This dilutes the blood, allowing for a smoother filtration process.
- Post-dilution OL-HDF: In this method, replacement fluid is introduced after dialysis, enhancing waste removal and achieving a higher level of toxin clearance.
OL-HDF offers superior removal of protein-bound toxins, better control of inflammation, and a reduction in oxidative stress, providing patients with a more thorough and effective treatment. By combining advanced filtration with ultrapure water, HDF and OL-HDF represent a significant step forward in dialysis care, delivering results that closely replicate natural kidney function.
Hemodiafiltration in India
If you’re dealing with symptoms of kidney failure or need to explore dialysis options, expert care is crucial. Whether you need hemodiafiltration, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or other advanced therapies, meet Dr. Kamal Kiran, who can provide specialized treatment and individualized care plans to manage your condition effectively.
One can trust Dr. Kamal Kiran’s expertise for comprehensive and compassionate nephrology services. Book your appointment today!