cannulation techniques for an arteriovenous fistula
Last reviewed 01/2018
cannulation techniques for an arteriovenous fistula
Three different needling techniques are used during cannulation of an AVF:
- localised cannulation (area puncture)
- cannulation using the length of the fistula (rope ladder)
- entire length of an arteriovenous fistula or graft is used for cannulation
- changes the needle placement site each time the patient has dialysis
- cannulation through a formed tract (buttonhole)
- cannulates at the exact same spot at consecutive dialysis sessions creating a channel in the AVF
- currently recommended by the UK Renal Association due to lower risk of haematoma and aneurysm formation when compared to the rope ladder technique
- several studies have identified an increased risk of infective complications associated with buttonhole cannulation thus some haemodialysis units avoid using this technique (1,2)
Reference: