What Is The “Buttonhole” Technique Of Fistula Cannulation And What Are The Advantages?
The buttonhole technique of cannulation involves inserting the needle (or cannula, as in the case of Nocturnal Hemodialysis) through exactly the same hole every time. This makes success of the cannulation predictable, and after a few insertions there is no pain involved. Although cannulating in the same area of the fistula can be a cause for fistula aneurysms, there is some evidence that the “buttonhole” technique involving insertion in exactly the same hole prolongs the life of the fistula. Results over the last three years have been excellent.
