Artificial Kidney Unit (AKU)

The Artificial Kidney Unit of IASO Thessalias is a state-of-the-art unit that provides high-level medical and nursing care, according to the strictest standards, wanting to contribute to improving the quality of health and life of hemodialysis patients.

Facilities and equipment

The unit's modern facilities are located on the ground floor of the Clinic and have an independent entrance with easy access for people with mobility problems and separate parking for the unit's patients. Staying during hemodialysis is comfortable and pleasant, as each hemodialysis patient is provided with:

• Individual oxygen facility
• Individual TV and radio
• Free Internet access
• Drinks and light meal

The Hemodialysis Unit of IASO Thessalias has 15 state-of-the-art machines of the latest type, which were completely replaced in December 2019, so that all innovative hemodialysis methods can be applied:

• Standard hemodialysis
• Online hemodiafiltration
• Ultrafiltration without dialysis solution passage

It serves 3 shifts a day and each shift is fully covered by a Nephrologist and nursing staff.

In addition, hemodialysis is also available for cases of kidney failure in patients hospitalized in other departments of the Clinic (e.g., ICU, orthopedics, cardiology).  

Medical and nursing personnel

It is staffed by renowned Nephrologists and specialized nursing staff, who have many years of experience in dialysis units and know the multifaceted clinical, psychological and social needs of the chronically ill patients in depth.

The Artificial Kidney Unit is systematically supported by:

• A cardiologist with experience related to the problems of patients with renal failure, who is in charge of the regular cardiological monitoring of hemodialysis patients.
• A group of vascular surgeons for the creation and correction of vascular access (fistula, placement of a graft or permanent subclavian or central venous catheter) with just a few-hour hospitalization.
• A dietitian specializing in the special needs of patients undergoing dialysis.
  
  

Support Services

• Immediate realization of all the necessary, scheduled and unscheduled laboratory and imaging tests is possible (blood tests, ultrasounds, CT-MRI scans, etc.).
• It is supported on a 24-hour basis by on-duty doctors of all the main pathological and surgical specialties.
• It has a communication network with artificial kidney units both in Greece and abroad, in order to facilitate the move of AKU patients, if and when it is necessary.

The Artificial Kidney Unit of IASO Thessalias provides the safety of a hospital environment, as it operates within a large and organized Clinic. Coverage is provided by:

• Doctors of all specialties.
• A specialized medical and nursing team consisting of a cardiologist, an anesthesiologist and an ICU nurse that deals with emergency situations on a 24-hour basis, as the internationally recognized CODE BLUE system is applied.
• Possibility of immediate hospitalization at the Clinic.
• Intensive Care Unit

Transplant preparation

In particular, the Artificial Kidney Unit of IASO Thessalias provides the possibility of preparing patients who wish to be transplant donors (recipient-donor pretransplant screening), as well as of referring potential recipients to be included on the waiting list from a deceased donor to a transplant center of their choice.  

Additional services

Performing ultrasound-guided percutaneous renal biopsy.

Treatment office for glomerular and specific autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis).

The possibility of plasmapheresis, lipid removal and MARS - artificial liver in neurological, ophthalmological, hereditary, immunological and other rare diseases is provided.

Patient safety

Particular attention is paid to taking and observing measures to completely ensure hygienic conditions, with the aim of absolute safety in the treatment of patients:

• Separate isolated dialysis chamber for patients - hepatitis B carriers or other viral diseases.
• Constant cleaning and disinfection of all areas of the unit.
• Sterilization of machines after each shift.
  
  

Patient support

The secretariat of the hemodialysis unit provides information to patients and the people accompanying them about the provisions and benefits they are entitled to and undertakes the preparation of the documents required by the Clinic.

Certifications

The Artificial Kidney Unit of IASO Thessalias is Certified by TUV Hellas (subsidiary of the TUV Nord Certification Body of Germany), with the International Standard ISO 9001:2015 for the provision of high-quality healthcare.

It is accredited by the TEMOS International Healthcare Accreditation, based in Germany, for the provision of high quality services to international patients and the modern infrastructure of the clinic.

From 2013 until today, it has been recommended as a Preferred Partner Hospital by the Global Think Tank, Diplomatic Council, whose members are international personalities of diplomacy, politics, industry, art and sports.

Staff

Scientific director

GOMΒOU ATHINA