Peritoneal Dialysis, Illustration

Peritoneal Dialysis, Illustration

An illustration of peritoneal dialysis, a method used to remove waste from the blood when the kidneys cannot properly function. A catheter is placed into the abdomen and connected to a bag of dialysis solution, known as dialysate. As the solution fills the inside of the abdomen, waste products in the blood diffuse through the peritoneum over the course of four to six hours. The waste fluid is then drained into a separate collection bag and replaced with fresh dialysate. The process is repeated around four to six times a day, keeping two litres of fluid in the abdomen at all times. Peritoneal dialysis is a less common method of filtering blood than haemodialysis, but it allows patients to treat themselves at home or work, and may result in longer lasting residual kidney function and a more stable blood chemistry and hydration level.

Album / Science Source / Evan Oto

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4500 x 5100 px | 65.7 MB

38.1 x 43.2 cm | 15.0 x 17.0 in (300 dpi)