The Rogosin Institute began training patients to perform their own home hemodialysis in 2001, and we currently have one of the largest home hemodialysis programs in the New York metropolitan area. Since its inception,more than 70 patients have been trained. While some of these patients have gone on to get a kidney transplant, some of our patients have been so satisfied with their experience in the home hemodialysis program that they have taken themselves off the transplant waiting list. Currently, there are two nurses training patients in our program. We are able to offer two forms of home hemodialysis:

Short Daily Home Hemodialysis

Short daily home hemodialysis is a form of hemodialysis performed for roughly four hours daily, six days a week, in the patient’s home while the patient is awake. We utilize the highly-acclaimed NxStage System One home dialysis machine for this modality. When dialysis with NxStage System One is performed during the day, we require a partner to be present for the treatment.

Home Nocturnal Hemodialysis

Home nocturnal hemodialysis is a form of hemodialysis performed for six to eight hours nightly, six days a week, in the patient’s home while asleep. The patient dialyzes at slower dialysate and blood flow rates, and can perform this therapy alone or with a partner. 

An important aspect of home nocturnal dialysis is that every treatment conducted by every patient is monitored via the internet by a staff member at Rogosin. As a result, the individual performing the procedure can feel confident that the dialysis is being conducted properly. This is especially reassuring for patients who are conducting the procedure without a partner. We are able to offer both the Fresenius 2008K and the NxStage System One home dialysis solutions for this modality. Rogosin is the only center in the NYC metropolitan area offering remote monitoring with the NxStage machine.

How does Home Hemodialysis compare with conventional in-center hemodialysis?

Home hemodialysis provides the following advantages over conventional in-center hemodialysis:

• It is less stressful on the body than conventional hemodialysis and, because it is done more frequently, it is more like the body’s own natural kidney cleansing process.
• Slower and more frequent therapy is more effective.
• Patients may have a regular non-dialysis diet (with moderation) and do not have any fluid restrictions.
• Blood pressure may be more easily controlled, reducing or eliminating the need for medications. More than 90% of our home dialysis patients have been able to stop all their blood pressure medications after starting home therapy.
• Phosphate binders may not be necessary.
• The patient experiences the convenience of their own home and no travel time.
• Patients find they experience a much improved, general sense of well being.

Who Can Perform Home Hemodialysis?

Home hemodialysis can be done by any dialysis patient who is motivated to feel better and improve his or her quality of life. The patient must be capable of learning the procedures necessary to dialyze at home effectively and safely. The patient’s home must have space to accommodate a dialysis machine, water filtration system and dialysis supplies for two to four weeks. The home must have appropriate plumbing and electrical wiring required for hemodialysis. The NxStage System One requires minimal electrical adjustments.

Depending on the type of home hemodialysis, patients may be required to have a trained partner who can be present for xote monitoring of dialysis patients. Every nocturnal dialysis procedure is monitored in real-time by a trained Rogosin staff member.

What are the differences between NxStage System One and Fresenius 2008K dialysis machines?

• The NexStage System One machine is small, portable and designed for simplicity of use by patients.
• NxStage requires minimal plumbing and electrical adjustments and has a drop in cartridge with automated set-up.
• The maintenance of the machine is relatively simple.
• The Fresenius machine offers a better overall dialysis treatment for some people.
• The Fresnius machine is self- contained. The blood pressure monitor and heparin pump are included within the machine.

Your nephrologist will help determine which machine is better suited for you to receive effective therapy.

What Is The Training For This Program?

Training is done one-on-one with one of our dedicated home dialysis training nurses. This training is conducted every weekday until the patient and dialysis nurse feels he or she is ready to go home for self-treatment. Our average duration of training is four to six weeks per patient. Once the patient is trained and confident, the patient has a four-to-six hour dialysis treatment in the home nocturnal hemodialysis training area with staff members available.

The first hemodialysis performed at home is supervised by the training nurse who facilitates a smooth transition, ensures that all supplies are available, and verifies that the equipment works properly. If a partner is necessary for home therapy, the partner must also be present for a portion of the training period.

How are treatments monitored to ensure patient safety?

The patients who dialyze nightly for six to eight hours are monitored in real-time from The Rogosin Institute via the internet. Machine alarms alert patients to anything that must be corrected, and our dialysis monitoring staff calls the patients to provide guidance if alarms continue longer than two minutes. Patients who choose short daily home hemodialysis require a trained partner to be present during their treatments.for safety.

In addition, patients are required to come to Rogosin monthly for follow-up clinic visits, or more frequently if necessary. Patients find that telephone consultations with nurses, which are encouraged, are helpful in their success.

Are There Additional Expenses?

The patient is responsible for the broadband internet connection, as well as any electrical or water expenses that result from the treatment.

For further information about home nocturnal hemodialysis contact: 


Nel Jimenez, RN 212-746-1425