Tattoo of vascular cannulation site as a self-cannulation aid

Abstract

Background: Haemodialysis can be provided either in a healthcare setting or home environment. Patients receiving dialysis at home report a better quality of life. Patients or their carers must be able to cannulate their fistula confidently and independently when dialysing at home.

Method: We describe a patient with a functional fistula which was difficult to palpate, leading to difficulties in cannulation and multiple referrals to the home therapies team.

Procedure: A series of discrete dots were tattooed to delineate the borders of the fistula and served to guide cannulation.

Results: Following this simple intervention, our patient was able to self-cannulate confidently, dialysing at home four times per week. There were no further referrals to the home therapies team.

Conclusion: Permanent tattoo of the skin to guide cannulation can used when a fistula is difficult to palpate or if a further superficialisation procedure is not desired. Patients have to be made aware that the markings are permanent and might outlast the fistula.

Keywords: Haemodialysis; Home therapies; Self-cannulation; Tattoo.