rolling access

[sullidog]

One of the reasons why my graft is a bit of a hard stick is because it rolls. You have to use a ternakit and put pressure on it to stick it or else you will be chasing the needles. Anyone else have this problem? A tech thought it was because not enough tissue had grown around the graft. Is there a way to fix this?
Troy

[Rerun]

Troy, you need to ask your vascular surgeon.  I have heard that using a tourniquet is really bad for your access but there are still a few out there who use it.  Call you access surgeon and ask if using a tourniquet is alright.

I was told "NEVER, NEVER, NEVER let anyone use a tourniquet on you"

But, I have a fistula so just ask to be safe.

[ChickenLittle56]

I've noticed that a new tech that just finished training and is under a experienced tech. She put the access between her fingers to keep it steady while she inserts the needle.

[Zach]

I have "rolling" veins (as well as a deep venious vein site) and for all of my twenty-eight years I have used a tourniquet, albeit well above where the fistula was placed, which is on my wrist.

Obviously, you don't leave it on for more than a minute or two ... just enough time to cannulate.

As ChickenLittle56 observed, placing the vein between two fingers does keep it steady, too.