Kidneys help the body eliminate toxic waste and fluids. When kidneys fail, dialysis or a kidney transplant are needed to prevent death.

Hemodialysis
An artificial kidney machine filters blood to remove toxins and extra fluids. Patients can receive hemodialysis at a dialysis center, usually three times per week. Home hemodialysis also is available. This method often requires more frequent treatments. Hospitals also perform hemodialysis on-site for patients with acute kidney failure.

Peritoneal Dialysis
With peritoneal dialysis, the body removes toxins and fluids through the peritoneal membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. Fluid cycles in and out of the abdomen through a surgically placed catheter. Peritoneal dialysis is done at home.

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
CRRT treats acute kidney failure. Patients receive this treatment at a hospital. With this therapy, patients have their blood cleaned continuously. This method allows for more gentle and constant toxin and fluid removal.

Other CentraCare Kidney Program Services

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE)
TPE exchanges a patient’s diseased blood plasma with a replacement fluid. This technique successfully treats or cures some neurologic, blood and kidney-related diseases.

Aquapheresis
Aquapheresis removes fluid from patients with heart failure when medicine does not work. CentraCare Kidney Program nephrologists work with cardiologists to provide this service.

Kidney Transplant Services
CentraCare Kidney Program nephrologists and staff work closely with several transplant
centers to provide kidney transplants to patients.

Programs and Inservices
CentraCare Kidney Program provides additional services for both patients and professional caregivers, including community and nursing home inservices, as well as educational programs through the local chapter of the American Nephrology Nurses’ Association.

Helpful Resources
Video animations: Bladder and kidney topics
Chronic Kidney Disease
What Type of Dialysis Should I Have?