Clamp Usage Policy and Procedure

National Vascular Access Improvement Initiative, Network Coordinating Center
Los Angeles, California, USA

Clamps are not recommended on hemodialysis accesses because of damage and/or thrombosis that can occur by applying too much pressure. This policy states that clamps should never be used on new or developing arteriovenous fistulae because these are particularly vulnerable to hematoma formation, infiltration, and bruising.

Background
This tool was developed by the Tools and Resources subcommittee of the National Vascular Access Improvement Initiative (NVAII). The subcommittee worked together to create a toolkit to support the work of the renal community in improving vascular access to hemodialysis patients. All documents were created and/or modified by committee members, and reviewed and edited by the committee leadership including NVAII clinical chair, Lawrence Spergel, MD, FACS.

Directions
Download and use this tool to develop your own policy and procedure statement on clamp usage for your facility.

Related Changes
Provide Cannulation Training

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Cannulation of New Fistula Policy and Procedure

National Vascular Access Improvement Initiative, Network Coordinating Center
Los Angeles, California, USA

This is a sample policy and procedure statement on how to successfully cannulate new arteriovenous (AV) fistulae and prevent infiltration. The policy states that newly created primary AV fistulae shall be allowed to develop for at least 8 to 12 weeks prior to cannulation.

Background
This tool was developed by the Tools and Resources subcommittee of the National Vascular Access Improvement Initiative (NVAII). The subcommittee worked together to create a toolkit to support the work of the renal community in improving vascular access to hemodialysis patients. All documents were created and/or modified by committee members, and reviewed and edited by the committee leadership including NVAII clinical chair, Lawrence Spergel, MD, FACS.

Directions
Download and use this tool to develop your own policy and procedure statement on cannulating new fistulae in your facility.

Related Changes
Provide Cannulation Training

<< back