How is a Catheter Used during Dialysis?
Dialysis staff will clean each port of the catheter then connect it to the hemodialysis tubing. Staff members will wear gloves and masks. You will be asked to wear a mask as well to keep germs from the open ends of the catheter when they are being connected. After the catheter is connected to the dialysis tubing, the hemodialysis machine is turned on. Blood will be pulled from one of the catheter ports, through the tubing and filter, and returned to the other catheter port after waste products and extra fluids are removed. This process takes 3-4 hours for each treatment, with three treatments per week. When the treatment is done, staff will return the blood in the tubing to you. Hemodialysis treatments should not be uncomfortable. Recliner chairs and televisions are present for your comfort. Many people either watch TV or sleep during their treatment. Sometimes side effects of fluid and waste removal may occur, such as light-headedness or leg cramps. If you feel symptoms during your tr
