Friday, November 30, 2012

The buttonhole technique, or constant-site cannulation

Found the following on DaVita.com
Dear Annie,

Can you explain the buttonhole technique?

Connie

Dear Connie,

The
buttonhole technique, or constant-site cannulation, is a way for care partners or patients to cannulate an arteriovenous (AV) fistula by inserting a dialysis needle into the same spot for each dialysis treatment, with little or no pain. A fistula is cannulated in exactly the same location for 6-8 treatments until a tract (think of an earring hole) is developed. Once this tract is established, a blunt needle is used for cannulation thereby decreasing the need for sharp needles. When cannulating buttonholes, great care must be taken to protect against infections, as micro-organisms can be easily carried through the tract into the patient's bloodstream.

Annie

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