The independent, not-for-profit dialysis system with centers in Troy, Saratoga and Clifton Park has dedicated itself to the mission of “Providing Dialysis With Dignity.”

The growth and experience of the Rubin staff in the various Home Therapy options has made them a nationally recognized leader in new home therapy applications. The Rubin Dialysis Center continues to pride itself with staying at the forefront of innovative dialysis technology. Today their home program treats 85 patients or about 24 percent of the Rubin system’s 350 total patients, which is three times the national average.  The home program offers three options:

Peritoneal Dialysis where dialysis takes place in the peritoneal cavity located in the abdomen through a peritoneal catheter which is surgically placed. Two PD options include CAPD which filters waste products and excess fluid using the peritoneal membrane with dialysis fluid and CCPD which is performed overnight using a machine called the Cycler. 

Nightly Nocturnal Hemodialysis – In 1998, the Rubin Dialysis Center started the first daily, Internet-monitored, “while you sleep” home dialysis program in the United States.  With the ability to monitor people living 200-300 miles away we were able to offer this program to a much wider population of patients. As of the end of May 2008, we have delivered more than 35,000 nocturnal hemodialysis treatments.

Daily Home Hemodialysis -  In 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the NxStage® System One™ hemodialysis system for use in home dialysis.  The machine is about the size of a 13” TV and weighs just over 70 pounds. It is powered by a standard household outlet and uses prepackaged sterile dialysis fluids, thus eliminating the need for plumbing or electrical changes to the patient’s home. NxStage’s PureFlow water system creates 60 liters of ultra pure water which can be used for up to three treatments at 20 liters per night. It doesn’t use huge amounts of water and electricity thus helping patients control the utility costs in their homes. 

The machine’s portability and flexibility make it easy to move from one location to another. The ability of patients to travel allows them to attain a level of freedom and independence which is unable to achieve with conventional in-center dialysis treatments.  

“Although not all patients are candidates for the home program, the Rubin Center screens patients who are interested in pursuing this treatment option. We have trained retired housewives, factory workers, graduate students, even retired priests who felt so good they came out of retirement and started performing Mass again. We have some wonderful success stories.”

States Wayne Evancoe, CEO/Renal Administrator.

One such success story comes from Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Colongione:

“Ralph was dialyzing in –center for a year when I just knew that he would do so much better at home.  We decided to try nocturnal hemodialysis using the traditional type in-center dialysis machine. This worked extremely well but the work involved was tremendous. When we traveled we had to go to centers wherever we traveled and sometimes it was hard to secure a spot for

Ralph to dialyze at a time that was convenient. We did this for two years and then the Nxstage became available. We jumped at the chance to use this machine.”

Because of Ralph’s size we were not sure if this would work well for him but it is working as well as the other machine did. He does his dialysis at night and the amount of work has been reduced by about 80 percent.  Ralph’s wife does his total care from machine setup to cannulating/or using a catheter to put him on the machine. Since we are monitored through the Saratoga Center this allows us to get a good night’s sleep. Pat takes him off in the morning and gets ready to go to work.

“Traveling is so much easier. When traveling by car they load up the van with the supplies they need for three days and when they get to their destination NxStage delivers the rest of the dialysate and cartridges for their stays.”

Pat and Ralph have opened their home up to other prospective patients so they can see how they not only manage, but also enjoy life to the fullest.

Patients interested in learning more about home dialysis hemodialysis with the NxStage System One, or the Nightly Home Hemodialysis program can contact Shari Meola, RN, SNN, Clinical Services Coordinator by calling (518) 831-6700 or (518) 587-1919. Patients can get more information about the Peritoneal Dialysis program by calling Dianne Seypura, RN, CNN at (518) 271-0702.

“Our mission of providing high quality care in all three centers as well as our leadership and innovation in offering ‘quality of life enhancing’ home therapies, is truly based on the real dedication and caring of our top-quality staff and support from progressive Nephrologists in our system.” states Mr. Evancoe. 

If you have questions, suggestions or any issues you need assistance with regarding our dialysis system, please feel free to call 518-271-0702 or visit our website at www.rubindialysis.org.