Stenosis and thrombosis-unveiled complications of buttonhole cannulation: Buttonhole cannulation and thrombosis

The vascular access is the mainstay of hemodialysis. Arteriovenous fistula has been prioritized as the first choice of long-term vascular access for its inferior rate of complications and improved patient survival. Rope ladder and buttonhole venipuncture are the most common techniques for arteriovenous fistulae cannulation. Much of the concern regarding buttonhole cannulation is the increased risk for potentially severe systemic infections. Increased risk for stenosis and thrombosis has been addressed but not confirmed. We discuss two cases of stenosis and thrombosis related to buttonhole puncture which heralded angiography intervention, raising awareness for the demand of close surveillance of arteriovenous fistulae when using buttonhole cannulation.