What is hemodialysis?

Hemodialysis is a medical procedure that serves to filter waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function effectively. This occurs through an external machine, known as a dialyzer, which acts as an artificial kidney. During the process, blood is drawn from the body, passed through the dialyzer where it is cleaned and then returned to the body.

This procedure is crucial for patients with chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury, as it helps manage their condition by maintaining the necessary balance of electrolytes and fluids in the body. The other options do not accurately describe hemodialysis; for instance, delivering medication into the bloodstream does not involve filtering blood, and surgery or physical therapy has no role in the treatment provided by hemodialysis. Thus, the description of hemodialysis as a procedure that filters blood through an external machine is essential to understanding its role in medical intervention for patients with kidney issues.