Home Therapies

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis, or PD, is one choice for home dialysis treatment. There are no needles in this type of treatment, and patients have options to dialyze during waking or sleeping hours, allowing for more flexibility.

During the PD process a warmed solution, called dialysate, enters your peritoneal cavity (part of your abdominal cavity) through a small catheter that is surgically placed there as an access point. It absorbs wastes and excess fluid from your blood and is then drained and replaced with fresh dialysate.

Can be performed during the day or at night while asleep

Usually requiring 4 to 5 fill-and-drain exchanges each day

Home treatment

Older woman smiling in her home

With peritoneal dialysis, you have more control and greater flexibility about when and where you dialyze.

Peritoneal dialysis, or PD, is one choice for home dialysis treatment. There are no needles in this type of treatment, and patients have options to dialyze during waking or sleeping hours, allowing for more flexibility.

During the PD process a warmed solution, called dialysate, enters your peritoneal cavity (part of your abdominal cavity) through a small catheter that is surgically placed there as an access point. It absorbs wastes and excess fluid from your blood and is then drained and replaced with fresh dialysate.

Can be performed during the day or at night while asleep

Usually requiring 4 to 5 fill-and-drain exchanges each day

Home treatment

How It Works

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum, to filter the blood inside the body.

A dialysis solution flows from a bag through a catheter into the abdominal cavity. After the bag empties, the patient disconnects the bag and is free to move around. Meanwhile, dialysate solution absorbs wastes and extra fluid from the body. After a few hours, the used solution is drained into the empty bag and the process is repeated.

Benefits

  • There are no needles involved in this type of treatment.
  • Diet and fluid intake is less restricted.
  • You have more control and greater flexibility about when and where you dialyze.
  • You can do therapy while sleeping (APD).
  • You can dialyze in the comfort of your home independently or with the help of a loved one.
  • You can take a more active role in your treatment which has been proven to yield better outcomes.
  • Health benefits can include more energy and better blood pressure control.
  • Portable therapy allows for ease of travel.
  • All home dialysis patients have access to a home dialysis nurse 24 hours a day if assistance is needed. This includes access to a technical support team for equipment issues.

Peritoneal Dialysis

Two Treatment Options

Graphic showing how Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) works

Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD)

CAPD is done manually, without the use of special machinery, and is typically performed during waking hours.

CAPD usually requires 4 to 5 fill-and-drain exchanges throughout day.

Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD)

APD uses the cycler machine to deliver exchanges and cleanse the blood, typically during sleeping hours.

APD is a daily therapy. Your treatment will be customized to meet your needs.

Older couple holding hands and smiling at each other in front of a fireplace

Home Hemodialysis

U.S. Renal Care offers hemodialysis home therapy programs so patients don’t have to travel to a clinic multiple times per week for treatment.

Like PD, a Registered Nurse will train the patient to perform treatments at home with or without a caregiver, eliminating the need to fit into a clinic schedule.

Learn More About Home Hemodialysis

Find your center

We operate more than 400 outpatient, home and specialty dialysis programs.