ARTERIODIALYSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Arteriodialysis is a medical term that refers to a therapeutic procedure designed to improve blood flow and remove waste products by artificially dialyzing or filtering the blood within an artery. The process involves the insertion of a specialized catheter into a major artery, typically the femoral or brachial artery, allowing direct access to the bloodstream. This catheter is equipped with a semipermeable membrane that filters the blood as it flows through, similar to the principles of traditional hemodialysis.
During arteriodialysis, the blood from the artery passes over the membrane, which selectively filters out excess fluid, electrolytes, toxins, and metabolic waste products present in the bloodstream. The filtered blood is then returned to the patient through the same catheter, ensuring that the circulation is maintained. This procedure is mainly used in cases where conventional hemodialysis or other forms of dialysis may not be feasible or effective, such as in patients with compromised venous access.
Arteriodialysis is primarily employed for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or acute kidney injury, providing temporary or permanent blood purification and management of fluid and electrolyte imbalances. It aims to alleviate symptoms, restore proper fluid balance, and remove toxic substances that the kidneys would typically eliminate. As with any medical procedure, arteriodialysis carries some associated risks, such as infection, bleeding, damage to the artery, or air embolism. Close monitoring and proper medical supervision are essential during the process to ensure its safety and efficacy.
Etymology of ARTERIODIALYSIS
The word "arteriodialysis" is a combination of two medical terms: "arterio-" and "dialysis".
The prefix "arterio-" is derived from the Latin word "arteria", which means artery. It refers to the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.
The term "dialysis" comes from the Greek word "dialusis", which means dissolution or separation. In the medical context, dialysis refers to the process of removing wastes, excess fluid, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this function adequately.
Therefore, "arteriodialysis" refers to a medical procedure that involves the removal of waste products, excess fluid, and toxins from the arterial blood using a dialysis machine.
