DefinitionDialysis is a method of removing toxic substances (impurities or wastes) from the blood when the kidneys are unable to remove these substances.Alternative NamesArtificial kidneys; Hemodialysis; Peritoneal dialysis; Renal replacement therapyDescriptionWHAT IS HEMODIALYSIS?Hemodialysis works by removing blood from the body and circulating it through special filters outside the body. The blood flows across a filter, along with solutions that help remove toxins. The blood is then returned to the body.Hemodialysis uses special ways of accessing the blood in the blood vessels. The access can be short-term (temporary) or long-term (permanent).Temporary access involves placing dialysis catheters (hollow tubes) into larger veins, usually in your neck, chest, or leg near the groin. They ar