When a patient's kidneys no longer work, the patient must have dialysis. Though dialysis replaces only 10% of kidney function, it does allow many patients to live a long and active life.

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Hemodialysis requires the placement of a vascular access (catheter, fistula or graft) for the patient. A dialysis machine is then connected to the access. The machine pulls the blood on one side, and returns the clean blood to the other side. 

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In peritoneal dialysis, the tip of a catheter is placed in the cavity formed by the double membrane (peritoneum) that surrounds the content of the abdomen. Cleaning fluid is poured into the cavity; it is left there to dwell for minutes to hours depending on the patient.

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There are different modalities in terms of the application of dialysis treatment: acute dialysis, chronic dialysis, home dialysis, in-center dialysis, slow dialysis, etc. They respond to the patient's need, desire and lifestyle.