Cannulating in haemodialysis: rope-ladder or buttonhole technique?

Abstract

Compared with the rope-ladder technique, the buttonhole method offers the advantage of an easier cannulation procedure with less bad sticks, which has a special benefit for patients with limited access cannulation sites or with a fistula which is difficult to cannulate. Prolonged compression times or re-bleeding episodes did not occur, but precautions have to be taken in order to prevent infectious complications. The buttonhole method can contribute considerably to the cannulating ease of self-cannulating patients, thus providing a better quality of life.