To investigate the application effect of arteriovenous fistula cannulation by buttonhole technique with blunt needles in patients subjected to hemodialysis.

Seventy-six patients who underwent hemodialysis in Hemodialysis Room, The First Hospital of Jiaxing between June 2016 and June 2019 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into control and observation groups (n = 38/group). The control group was subjected to arteriovenous fistula cannulation using a regional puncture method. The observation group was subjected to arteriovenous fistula cannulation by buttonhole technique with blunt needles. One-time success rate of puncture was recorded in each group. The maximum transverse diameters of the fistula before and after 6 months of puncture were measured. Severity of pain at the time of puncture was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Complications were recorded in each group. Patient compliance was investigated using a questionnaire. Patient's quality of life was evaluated using Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 1.3.

One-time success rate of puncture in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [97.37% (37/38) vs. 84.21% (32/38), χ² = 3.93, P = 0.04]. The maximum transverse diameter of the fistula in the observation group was significantly smaller than that in the control group [(4.36 ± 0.11) mm vs. (7.26 ± 0.48) mm, t = 36.30, P < 0.01]. At 6 months after puncture, the maximum transverse diameter of the fistula in each group increased compared with that before puncture (both P < 0.05). The VAS score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(0.82 ± 0.24) points vs. (3.11 ± 0.32) points, t = 35.29, P < 0.01]. The incidence of complications in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [5.26% (2/38) vs. 21.05% (8/38), χ² = 4.15, P = 0.04]. The compliance score in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(36.32 ± 3.21) points vs. (27.18 ± 2.69) points, t = 13.45, P < 0.01]. The scores of role limitations caused by physical health problems, pain, role limitations caused by emotional health problems in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). The scores of physical functioning, general health perceptions, emotional well-being, social functioning, energy/fatigue, and overall health rating item in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.05).

Arteriovenous fistula cannulation by buttonhole technique with blunt needles can increase success rate of puncture, reduce pain, decrease the incidence of complications and exhibit protective effects on arteriovenous fistula, thereby improving patient's quality of life and increasing treatment compliance.

Hemodiafiltration; Hemodialysis units, hospital; Punctures; Arteriovenous fistula; Pain; Quality of life