Dialysis

Dialysis is required for patients that lose kidney function. This procedure keeps the body in balance by removing waste, salt and water from the body; ensuring safe levels of potassium, sodium and bicarbonate; and, controlling blood pressure.

There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis uses a filter, called a dialyzer, outside the body. The dialysis machine pumps blood from the patient’s vein through the filter and returns the blood to an artery in the body. During the process, the dialysis machine checks the patient’s blood pressure and controls how quickly blood flows through the filter and fluid is removed from the body. Peristaltic pumps are used to facilitate blood flow throughout the process. Flexible PVC tubing, known as blood lines, transport the blood and provide visualization of flow throughout the process.

Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the patient’s abdomen (peritoneum) to filter and remove waste from the blood. This process requires surgical insertion of a catheter to transport a cleansing fluid into the patient’s abdomen. After a set period of time, the fluid with the filtered waste products flows out of the abdomen via a catheter and is discarded. The process of filling and then draining the abdomen is called an exchange.

Colorite PVC compounds are materials of choice for companies that manufacture hemodialysis blood lines and pump tubing. These medical-grade PVC formulations offer superior clarity and resiliency for high quality dialysis systems. Companies that choose to source tubing can purchase Natvar extruded tubing.