A dialysis machine is a medical device used to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly. This process, known as dialysis, helps maintain the body's balance of electrolytes and removes toxins, which is crucial for patients with kidney disease or kidney failure. The machine works by circulating blood through a filter called a dialyzer, which acts like an artificial kidney. During treatment, blood is drawn from the body, cleaned, and then returned, usually taking several hours. This procedure can be done in a hospital or at home, depending on the patient's needs.