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News
Cutting-edge renal therapy system becomes part of the hospital’s comprehensive services in managing complex, critically ill patients with kidney dysfunction
MARQUETTE | UP Health System (UPHS) –A Duke Lifepoint Hospital, is pleased to announce the addition of two Baxter Prismaflex systems, used for providing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) to patients facing severe kidney dysfunction.
The state-of-the-art equipment allows the delivery of precise and individualized treatment plans to support the recovery of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease and other complex renal conditions.
The kidneys filter all the blood in the body every 30 minutes. They work hard to remove wastes, toxins and excess fluid. They also help control blood pressure, stimulate the production of red blood cells, keep your bones healthy and regulate blood chemicals that are essential to life.
Kidneys that function correctly are critical for maintaining good health, however, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in seven American adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease.
“Continuous renal replacement therapy offers a more sophisticated and personalized approach to meet the unique needs of our critically ill patients,” said Critical Care Physician Amanda Benson, MD. “We are proud to now provide access to this lifesaving technology right here in the Upper Peninsula, reducing the need for transfer and enhancing the quality of care close to home.”
The new control units, housed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at UPHS – Marquette, are designed to deliver CRRT for a 24-hour period for metabolic control, fluid removal, acid/base control and electrolyte balance. This process is slower and gentler than the three - four hours typical of conventional hemodialysis, making the transfer safer and more comfortable for critically ill patients. It’s a very effective and efficient treatment option and is associated with a lower risk of complications—such as hypotension and cardiac instability—and an overall shorter hospital stay and improved recovery times.
Automatic adjustments and immediate visual feedback help providers deliver optimal care by allowing them to focus on the patient and not the equipment.
UPHS – Marquette’s highly skilled team of ICU nurses, advanced practice providers and physicians, along with its nephrology physicians, have worked hard to ensure a smooth implementation of the continuous dialysis program in the ICU.
“Collaboration among departments is critical to providing the highest level of comprehensive patient care,” said Dr. Benson. “At the end of the day, everything we do is for the benefit of our patients. We have an amazing team—everyone came together and invested a lot of time and energy into gaining the necessary skills to start this program. We are excited about the potential to positively impact our ICU patients with this new technology and look forward to continuing to expand treatment options for the Upper Peninsula’s sickest patients.”
For more information about chronic kidney disease and prevention, visit the CDC’s website. Individuals who need a provider can call 844.411.UPHS (8747) or visit UPHealthSystem.com and use the “Find a Provider” search tab to find care.