The buttonhole technique for arteriovenous fistula cannulation.

The buttonhole technique began 30 years ago in Europe and Japan, and 25 years ago in Seattle, Washington. Some believe its failure to "catch on" in the United States is due to the graft culture of the last 20 years. Now with an increase of AV fustulae, this technique is becoming known as a viable cannulation option. The purpose of this article is to provide technical information for nephrology nurses performing this technique.