The most common form of treatment is hemodialysis, which separates toxins and excess water artificially from the patient's blood. Hemodialysis usually takes place in clinics or hospitals, though some units have been adapted for home use. Traditionally, patients undergo four hours of "cleansing," three days a week. While effective, the process often leaves patients physically exhausted and unable to resume normal activities.
The NxStage System One delivers hemodialysis, hemofiltration, or ultrafiltration to patients with kidney failure or fluid overload. The system is compact and weighs about 70 pounds. It's portable because of its freedom from unique electrical requirements and water processing, and can be used not only in a person's home but also when traveling.
Patients at IU have performed their dialysis in their homes, campers, hotel rooms and other locations far from their homes.
With this system, patients conduct daily dialysis (up to 2 hours) to accommodate their schedules.
"NxStage trial participants at IU undergo extensive training before they are allowed to take the system home with them," Dr. Kraus says. "Training time is typically one to three weeks, and patients also must have trained partners who can assist with the set up and maintenance of the device and its components."
The system has given Indianapolis resident Angela Bunch, who is receiving in-center therapy at IU Hospital, a new lease on life. "I work full time night shifts. I would leave work in the morning, come into the hospital for dialysis three times a week, go home and rest and after that I would crawl into work.
"No pep, no get up and go whatsoever," says Bunch a postal worker who has been on dialysis since 2001. "Now, I can take those stairs at work and at home. The energy leve
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Contact: Joe Stuteville
jstutevi@iupui.edu
317-274-7722
Indiana University
7-Mar-2005