Home hemodialysis

Home hemodialysis equipment options

 When at home hemodialysis (HHD) was first developed in the 1960s, the equipment was large and difficult to use. But new technological advances have made more reliable and user-friendly machines and water treatment equipment available for at home hemodialysis patients. This new generation of machines is easier to set up, clean and disinfect while offering increased flexibility and a much more comfortable experience for patients.

The newest at home hemodialysis machines are designed to take up less space and require fewer supplies, which means less required storage space. Some new equipment options are also designed to provide more portability, allowing patients the ability to travel for work or leisure with their machines.

What type of equipment is used for at-home hemodialysis?

An at home hemodialysis machine removes waste and fluids from the body when the kidneys no longer work well enough to keep the body healthy. Different systems work for different people, and you should work closely with your doctor to choose a dialysis method and the equipment that works best for you. It's important to note that some homes might require plumbing and/or electrical modifications to accommodate at home hemodialysis machines.

Equipment choices

There are a number of equipment options available and patients who are interested in at home dialysis should talk with their doctors about which option might be right for them. Following are descriptions of two at home hemodialysis machines currently available:

NxStage-System One

Image of NxStage-System One dialysis machine.
Photo courtesy of NxStage Medical, Inc.

• Easy to set up - The NxStage System One acts like any other piece of home electronics, plugging into any electrical outlet and draining through the home's existing plumbing. Once placed where it is easily accessible for regular use, there is no need to make costly modifications to the home.
• Take it on the road - The NxStage System One Express package allows patients to take their equipment anywhere they go in the U.S. Prepackaged fluids are easy to transport and can be delivered to a home, hotel or anywhere in the U.S. Hard-sided aluminum cases are also available for purchase to protect equipment while on the road.
• Simple to use - Learning how to prepare for regular treatment takes time, but using the NxStage equipment is not complicated and can be operated with the right training. A drop in cartridge, intuitive control system and easy tap water purification system reduce the time and effort in conducting regular treatments.

Fresenius-K at Home

Image of Fresenius-K at Home dialysis machine.

• Flexible treatments - Offering a broad range of therapies, including traditional, short-daily, nocturnal or hybrid at home hemodialysis therapy, the Fresenius-K allows patients to tailor treatments to their needs.
• Single-needle capable - The Fresenius-K allows patients to perform the single-needle procedure, a technique popular with patients receiving certain treatments.
• Simple to use - Step-by-step instructions keep regular at home hemodialysis treatments easy to perform.
• On your terms - The Fresenius-K at Home offers users the flexibility to schedule the frequency and duration of their treatments on their terms.