Apparatus "artificial kidney": features, principle of action and feedback

The kidneys perform a very important function in the body, because with their help blood is purged, excess fluid is eliminated, and the water-alkaline balance is normalized. Termination of the functioning of this organ leads to intoxication of the body and death of the patient. To avoid death and improve the person's well-being before the transplant surgery, the device "artificial kidney" is used.

What is hemodialysis used for?

Due to various pathologies, the amount of functional renal tissue decreases dramatically. This condition is called renal failure. There are certain factors contributing to its emergence, in particular, such as:

• Pyelonephritis;
• oncological diseases;
• Deterioration of metabolic processes;
• Diseases of the hematopoiesis.

Renal insufficiency provokes an intoxication of the body, leads to the accumulation of metabolic products and toxins in the blood, as well as insufficiently good liquid removal.

In this case, the transplantation of this organ is shown, but the process of waiting for a suitable donor can take a long time, therefore, the "artificial kidney" apparatus is used. Hemodialysis helps to prolong the life of the patient, provides an opportunity to maintain a normal state before the transplant, and also allows you to lead an active life.

Main types of devices

Conduct hemodialysis can be not only in a hospital, but at home, as there are small appliances for home use or permanent wearing.

From a functional point of view, the "artificial kidney" apparatus differs only in certain technical characteristics and membrane area. In addition, the level of manufacturability is of great importance, since in modern devices the solution is prepared by the equipment itself according to the available indicators.

The monitoring system is good enough to control the level of pressure or hemoglobin change, and then adjust the composition of the solution independently. However, this can only be done by the bulky apparatus "artificial kidney" Dialog +, as well as devices Gambra, Baxter-1550, used in a hospital. The possibilities of portable models, especially those designed for wearing on the belt, are severely limited.

Hospital devices

Modern medical devices for hemodialysis are a high-speed and high-precision computer designed for high-quality and continuous monitoring of the patient's condition and analysis of indicators. A device "artificial kidney" "Fresenius" is considered to be a good enough and functional device. Its main advantage is that the developers have implemented modern software. This allows doctors to avoid constant monitoring.

The device "artificial kidney" 4008S can automatically calculate the rate of receipt of the solution, monitors the dosage, monitors the level of hemoglobin, and measures blood pressure.

Portable home appliances

Now widely released devices designed for home use. Manufacturers of "artificial kidney" machines every year more and more improve their products, and the most modern of them are worn on the belt and weigh only 4-7 kilograms. In this case, hemodialysis is carried out daily, and the duration of the procedure is 2-4 hours. Many doctors consider this method to be the most effective, therefore in European countries it is very common. Despite the fact that the price of the device "artificial kidney" for domestic use is quite high (from $ 5 thousand), many prefer to use this kind of product.

The main advantages of this method include safety, as well as ease of use. However, there are some disadvantages of the device, which can be attributed to the high cost, as well as the need to observe the medical worker, especially at first.

Function of an artificial kidney

The device "artificial kidney" is used in the event that its own body loses its functionality by 85-90%. This unit helps:

• Remove urea from the blood;
• Improve metabolic processes;
• Remove excess fluid;
• To control the acid-base balance;
• Prevent the formation of blood clots.

In addition, it helps to saturate the blood with air, which makes it possible to improve the patient's well-being. Thanks to modern portable technology you can conduct hemodialysis at any convenient time without leaving home.

How the device works

The principle of the device "artificial kidney" is based on the fact that the device takes blood from the patient, cleans it and returns it. There is a device of 3 main units performing a different function. The blood processing unit consists of pumps for its transportation, an air removal system, and sensors that monitor the level of pressure in the veins and arteries. The unit for creating the solution includes a system for mixing water and concentrate. It also includes a system for controlling the level of filtration and detection of blood in solution. The dialyser includes a membrane for hemodialysis.

In its structure, the device can be plate or capillary. Plate-type devices are characterized by the fact that it is very convenient to control the level of blood filtration, and they reduce the risk of thrombosis.

Capillary devices are characterized by the fact that they use a membrane through which blood is supplied in one direction, and a dialysate solution is returned, ready for long-term use.

A group of scientists in 2010 developed a device implanted in the patient's body, and successfully applied it in practice. Such a device is compact and does not cause any inconvenience. It works due to intensive blood pressure and does not require electricity.

Principle of operation of the apparatus

The principle of the "artificial kidney" apparatus is based on the fact that it is connected to the human circulatory system, the blood from the venous system begins to move to the membrane. On the other hand, there is a dialysis solution for cleansing. As a result, the blood gets rid of toxins. Then the purified blood flows back into the venous system.

Dialysate is prepared in advance, taking into account the characteristics of the patient and his physical condition. The system of the device independently creates a solution, using for this purpose distilled water and a concentrated agent according to the available parameters. After the conducted procedure, its performance is evaluated according to several parameters.

Conduction of hemodialysis on the apparatus "artificial kidney"

Blood purification is mainly carried out 2-4 times a week. In the course of the acute form of the disease, its daily exercise is shown. The process itself is controlled by a doctor-nephrologist or resuscitator and can take on time from 2 to 7 hours.

Hemodialysis is performed in a hospital or outpatient setting in a clinic. Before the procedure, you need to weigh the patient to determine the amount of excess fluid that must be removed from the body, and to measure the pulse and pressure. Then the patient sits in a chair, the doctor inserts a catheter into the vein and connects it to the apparatus. Blood is absorbed into the dialyzer chamber, then passes through a filtration system and returns in a purified form back to the body. The composition of the solution and its concentration are determined individually for each patient.

During hemodialysis, the patient must be in a calm state and lie still. After this, the urea level is measured.

Reviews of patients and doctors about the procedure for hemodialysis are ambiguous. Many believe that this is the only salvation when there is no possibility of organ transplantation. Doctors say that thanks to the emergence of modern apparatus, the procedure has become more secure, and with proper administration, patients can live 20-30 years. However, it is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet.

Some patients note after the procedure the appearance of side effects, as well as worsening of the condition. Doctors say that the body of each person is individual, so do not expect the same effect on different people.

Indications for the procedure

Apparatus "artificial kidney" is used in pathological conditions, when there is no other way to purify the blood from accumulated poisons and toxins. The main indications for the procedure include:

• Acute renal insufficiency;
• Chronic insufficiency;
• Pyelonephritis;
• Hyperhydration;
• Poisoning with poisonous substances;
• Poisoning with ethyl alcohol.

All these diseases are not an absolute indication for carrying out blood purification, therefore, before the procedure is appointed, it is necessary to pass blood and urine tests to determine the level of harmful substances. It can also be prescribed in diabetes mellitus, as the level of sugar normalizes, which contributes to the prolongation of the patient's life.

Contraindications to the procedure

Hemodialysis also has certain contraindications, which must be taken into account. Contraindications include such conditions as:

• Blood diseases;
• Heart disease;
• Defeat of the central system and various mental disorders;
• infectious diseases;
• Severe form of hypertension;
• Tuberculosis of internal organs;
• Oncological diseases.

In addition, one of the contraindications is the age of the patient more than 80 years.

Compliance with diet

The results of hemodialysis largely depend on nutrition. In such a case, non-compliance with the diet can lead to a worsening of the condition. It is prescribed individually, since it is very important to take into account the recommendations of the nephrologist, cardiologist and endocrinologist. The main principles of the diet are:

• Restriction in the consumption of table salt;
• Elimination of foods rich in potassium from the diet;
• Exclusion of foods that contribute to fluid retention;
• Control of the amount of calcium in the body;
• Reducing consumption of sweet.

It is also desirable to limit fluid intake and monitor your weight, as a set of several kilograms indicates an unbalanced diet. The products are preferably cooked or steamed. The food should be divided and balanced.

Possible complications and side effects

The procedure for carrying out blood purification is not as safe as we would like. Artificial kidney in some cases leads to such side effects as:

• Itching of the skin at the site of insertion of the catheter;
• Decrease in the level of erythrocytes;
• Pressure jumps;
• Pain and muscle spasms;
• Sleep disorders;
• Reduction in bone strength.

There are also likely to be more serious complications, such as inflammation of the pericardium. The equipment may malfunction, leading to the death of the patient.