Clamps

[PLTSGT]

I just don't see the rationale why some facilities forbid the use of clamps. The pressure some patients put on their sites is harder than what clamps provide.

Any input?

[dialysisguy]

No more clamps allowed at my FMC unit in LA.:wink2:

DG:smokin:

[bluefabian]

I've worked in situation where clamps were used and one which forbids it.

My take? Clamps don't fail a fistula ever in my experience. New or old. Well at least not that I know of immediately. Some patients really need it due to the massive amount of pressure that the sites exert (you can really feel the pulsation through the glove and thick gauze underneath).

And in contradiction, you can stop a bleed fast enough without them! Yes, I did a part time in an institution that forbids these tools and there were no cases of severe bleeding post HD. It amazes me how fast they were able to let go of the site, not risking any chance of a bleed. But then again, most of the patients here are very new to dialysis - from weaning off IJC to 6 - 12 months.

[soulofme]

We don't use clamps at my unit but boy I sure wish I had em sometimes:bluecry1: