Hemodialysis uses a machine to clean the blood outside the body when the kidneys cannot. Blood passes through a filter that removes waste, extra salts and excess fluid and is then returned to the body. In intensive care, it is used for sudden kidney failure, high potassium, fluid overload and some poisonings.

At a critical care hospital in Mumbai such as Apex, hemofiltration equipment is available for kidney complications like acute failure. Access is through a catheter placed in a large vein in the neck or groin. In very unstable patients, slower, continuous filtration may be used instead of a standard session, and the nephrology team helps choose the method.

How the Procedure Can Help

It removes waste and excess fluid, corrects blood chemistry and supports the body while the kidneys have time to recover.

Risks and Considerations

Possible risks include a fall in blood pressure during treatment, muscle cramps, bleeding from the blood-thinning medicine, clotting of the circuit, infection at the catheter site and shifts in blood salts. Kidney function may recover fully, partly or not at all, and the team reviews progress regularly.