HHD Basics
What is the typical frequency and duration of HHD treatments?
What is: 4-6 days per week and 2-3 hrs per treatment
A 50 year old male who is habitually late to treatment or misses due to demanding work schedule/family life
Yes, Patients seeking independence and more control over their treatment may actually do better and be more motivated at home.
What type of access is needed for HHD?
HHD can be performed using a CVC, AVF or AVG.
True or False: An HHD patient or care partner needs to have a medical background.
False: The clinic will train you and a partner (if you require one). No medical background is needed.
True or False: One of the benefits of HHD at home is that I can eat and drink whatever I want.
False: Usually potassium and fluid intake are less restricted. While there are fewer dietary restrictions there are still some limitations on your diet.
What type of utilities are required to perform HHD?
What are: standard electrical outlets and drain (sink or floor drain).
A recently retired 70yr male who lives with with his wife and would like spend his retirement years traveling and spending time with his grandchildren
Yes! : Portable machines allow for road trips and vacations without having to book in-center slots elsewhere. Flexible schedule can make it easier to attend family functions.
Do all HHD patient's use Buttonhole technique?
No, Buttonhole cannulation is only used on AV Fistulas. Grafts require rope and ladder technique.
How long is the average HHD training?
HHD training is typically of 4-5 days a week, for approximately 4-6 weeks.
How does post dialysis recovery time differ from ICHD?
Home hemodialysis (HHD) is associated with a significantly shorter recovery time compared to in-center hemodialysis (ICHD).
True or False:
With HHD, you need to follow a strict treatment schedule
False:
Treatments can be done at varying times and days.
A known IV drug abuser with unstable housing with no care partner
Probably not at this time
What accesses are used for HHD?
HHD can be done with CVC, AVF or AVG
What does a typical HHD Training entail?
Includes both didactic and hands on training and covers:
What are some Quality of life benefits of HHD?
Flexible schedule, comfort of home, transportation, travel, more time to work, spend with family or do hobbies
What can be done if a patient does not want to commit to HHD training?
We can offer Experience the Difference, which allows ICHD patients to dialyze more frequently with the Nx Stage machine on the in center treatment floor. Typically for two weeks to get an idea of what's involved and experience the benefits of more frequent dialysis.
A current PD patient who is not meeting adequacy despite Rx changes and is exhibiting signs of membrane failure.
Yes, PD ➡️HHD could be a great option.
Can patients learn to self cannulate prior to starting HHD training?
Yes! Patients can learn to self cannulate in-center by any expert cannulator, often cutting down HHD training time.
What is required for Patient to do nocturnal or Solo HHD?
MD Order and Red-sense monitoring
HHD has been proven to decrease blood pressure fluctuations, decreasing the chance of hypotension, cramping, nausea, vomiting and post dialysis fatigue. Why is that?
HHD is done more frequently and gentler and requires lower UFR than ICHD, decreasing the chance of hypotension, cramping, nausea, vomiting and post dialysis fatigue.
What are some things to consider regarding home environment ?
HHD requires a space for machine, comfortable chair and clean, well- lit space. As well as adequate space for supplies.
A 25 yr old female s/p failed transplant, Lives alone and has no care partner.
Yes,with a doctors order and added safety equipment like Red-sense some patients can dialyze solo.
What is buttonhole cannulation?
Constant site (Buttonhole) cannulation refers to inserting the needle into the same site using the same, angle, depth, and direction to create a tunnel-tract, similar to a pierces ear. Once the tract is established blunt - tip are used.
What are some safety mechanisms in place for HHD?