RE: Portable Dialysis Machine

[bharathranganathan]

Hi to everyone,

My father is undergoing Dialysis treatment for past one week. He has Diabetics and High Blood Pressure. Weekly twice, doctor told him to take dialysis.

I had heard about home dialysis. Can anyone have experience of using portable dialysis machine? And please suggest about home dialysis machine? It would be glad if anyone give information about the machine.

Thank you,

Regards,
Bharath.

[stumpr54]

Hello Bharath,

I am a home hemodialysis patient and I dialyze in my home with the NxStage System 1 Cycler and the Pureflow SL dialysate production/storage/pump. The System 1 is portable, weighs 75 lbs and is less than 24 inch cube. The unit does need to be protected/packaged for any transportation, especially air travel. I have also dialyzed with the Fresenius 2008K in center dialysis machine, which is not portable. The System 1 is easy to set up and tear down, maintain and troubleshoot but does require 3 to 5 weeks of training that also includes the key aspects of hemodialysis. Contact NxStage through their website, nxstage.com. for information on the equipment.

[dac0214]

All machines mentioned here run on 60hz AC electrical, which is incompatible with most of the rest of the world using 50hz AC.

[stumpr54]

Both NxStage Medical and Fresenius do provide dialysis equipment for outside North America that would either run on 50hz AC or would be equipped with transformers to accomplish the same. Consult NxStage Medical and Fresenius to confirm equipment availability that is compatible with the electrical power available.

[dac0214]

Also, keep in mind that North American machines only have support (spare parts, repair, distilled water bags, etc) available here. European and Asian market machines are available over there, with support systems included. Trying to buy an American machine and actually using it where support is non-existent would be expensive and risky.

[stumpr54]

I can't speak for Fresenius and their arrangement with Davita dialysis centers and individual home patients but I can for NxStage Medical.

The System 1 Cycler and Pureflow SL are leased through the respective Davita Home Hemodialysis clinic and cannot be purchased. This is a most advantageous arrangement, as the equipment not only requires 24-7 on phone tech support but practically 24-7 replacement service.

I've been a user of the equipment for two years and have had the System 1 cycler replaced three times - all in 24 hours and had the Pureflow SL replaced three or four times - in 24 to 48 hours. I've called NxStage Medical's support line round the clock, weekends and holidays, and they are always there and always sharp on troubleshooting the equipment, which has a tendency to fail spectacularly, and often without prior indication, e.g. no squealing of the brake pad wear indicator, just a crash and burn. The great thing is that they air freight replacement equipment to arrive at your doorstep the next day or day after.

I would expect this same service level for patients and dialysis centers (HHD units) in all global markets.

[Sheppie]

We have NxStage Medical equipment too. I can't imagine transporting Granny here and there for dialysis so home owned machine was the only option. VERY pleased with it.

[MJHAIDER]

Thank you for the infor on NxStage - I have been told I iwll start home Dialysis by the end of March - and I am just beginning to find out what that means.

[what happened]

My husband has been on home dialysis for 3 years through Davita. During that time we have traveled within the US in the Fall, Winter, Spring. Don't go in the Summer because the kids come here. We put the machine (NX Stage supplies from Davita) in the car, belt it in with seat-belt and load one days supplies. NXStage supplies the bags of dialysate, warming lines, and cartridges to wherever we are staying. We go for just a few days to 2 weeks plus travel time. One major thing is we don't fly only drive. Because we do travel relatively often we only use dialysate bags at home also.

Hope this helps.