Initial experience with the buttonhole technique in a Brazilian hemodialysis center.

Introduction: The most commonly used technique of arteriovenous fistula cannulation for hemodialysis is the rope-ladder technique with alternation of the cannulation site. An alternative technique, the buttonhole (BH) technique, has become popular because its constant cannulation sites are advantageous for patients with special characteristics.

Objective: To assess the initial experience of our service with the BH technique and determine its usefulness.