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Centers for Dialysis Care
Dialysis and Kidney Disease Treatment in Northeast Ohio 

The Centers for Dialysis Care is an independent, regional provider of dialysis and related services to individuals with Kidney Disease. The Centers for Dialysis Care facilities are located throughout Northeast Ohio including the greater metropolitan Cleveland area, Lake, Geauga, Trumbull, Mahoning and Ashtabula counties. We are committed to being the provider of choice for patients and physicians. We are committed to being the employer of choice for healthcare professionals. Patient Centered care is The Centers for Dialysis Care’s focus.

The Centers for Dialysis Care offers bright, contemporary treatment centers designed for the safe delivery of care. We have patient education programs designed to empower patients in the management of their disease. The Centers for Dialysis Care has superior clinical outcomes achieved through a team approach to care, innovative methods and the use of the latest technology. We offer music and art therapy programs, including public art shows featuring the artwork of The Centers for Dialysis Care patients. Also, an activities program designed for individual and group participation.

We are a dedicated team of medical professionals who truly care for the lives of our patients.

What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a process of cleaning wastes and extra fluid from the blood artificially. This job is normally done by the kidneys. If the kidneys fail, the blood must be cleaned artificially with special equipment. The two major forms of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is a way to clean wastes and extra fluid from the blood using a machine. This helps to replace the work of the kidneys after they have failed. The blood is filtered outside of the body. Treatments are done in-center at a dialysis unit 3 times a week, and appointments are scheduled in advance. Hemodialysis is the most common kind of dialysis. A vascular access should be prepared weeks or months before you start dialysis. The early preparation of the vascular access will allow easier and more efficient removal and replacement of your blood with fewer complications. The three basic kinds of vascular access for hemodialysis are an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, an AV graft, and a venous catheter.

A fistula is an opening or connection between any two parts of the body that are usually separate. An AV fistula is useful because it causes the vein to grow larger and stronger for easy access to the blood system. The AV fistula is considered the best long-term vascular access for hemodialysis because it provides adequate blood flow, lasts a long time, and has a lower complication rate than other types of access. If an AV fistula cannot be created, an AV graft or venous catheter may be needed.

If you have small veins that won’t develop properly into a fistula, you can get a vascular access that connects an artery to a vein using a synthetic tube, or graft, implanted under the skin in your arm. The graft becomes an artificial vein that can be used repeatedly for needle placement and blood access during hemodialysis. A graft doesn’t need to develop as a fistula does, so it can be used sooner after placement, often within 2 or 3 weeks. Compared with properly formed fistulas, grafts tend to have more problems with clotting and infection and need replacement sooner. However, a well-cared-for graft can last several years.

If your kidney disease has progressed quickly, you may not have time to get a permanent vascular access before you start hemodialysis treatments. You may need to use a venous catheter as a temporary access. A catheter is a tube inserted into a vein in your neck, chest, or leg near the groin. It has two chambers to allow a two-way flow of blood. Once a catheter is placed, needle insertion is not necessary. Catheters are not ideal for permanent access. They can clog, become infected, and cause narrowing of the veins in which they are placed. But if you need to start hemodialysis immediately, a catheter will work for several weeks or months while your permanent access develops.

Below are the 3 types of accesses:

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal Dialysis is a process that uses dialysate and the membrane of the patient’s abdominal cavity to clean wastes and extra fluid from the blood. This process is called an exchange. Patients train with a PD nurse at a dialysis unit to learn how to do their exchanges. This typically takes three days. Once trained, exchanges can be done at home. PD dialysis is done daily, and if there’s ever any problems, the nurse and doctor are just a phone call away. It lets you have a more normal schedule than hemodialysis. It’s easier to adjust the treatment schedule according to your work, school, or travel plans. You are in charge of your own treatment. This form of dialysis does not require needles and patients are required to check in with the clinic once a month. PD Dialysis provides continuous therapy, which is more like your natural kidneys.

Kidney Transplant

A kidney transplant is when a healthy kidney and ureter from someone else is put into your body. This is done when your kidneys fail. The new kidney will help take over the job of your diseased kidneys. Many people prefer to have a transplant instead of dialysis. If you have a working transplant, you will not need dialysis. Your doctor can help you decide what treatment is best for you. A kidney transplant is a treatment, not a cure. You’ll feel healthier and have more energy.

For more information, please contact:

Email: Centers for Dialysis Care
Website: www.cdcare.org

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