# Stuart Mott, Cannulation Expert **URL:** https://forums.homedialysis.org/c/ask-our-experts/stuart-mott-cannulation-expert/20.md [Latest](https://forums.homedialysis.org/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forums.homedialysis.org/categories.md) --- ## [About the Stuart Mott, Cannulation Expert category](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/about-the-stuart-mott-cannulation-expert-category/26)
**Author:** [@system](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2017, 9:25pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/about-the-stuart-mott-cannulation-expert-category/26 "2017-07-03T21:25:37Z")
--- ## [NEW from Stuart Mott: Teardrop Cannulation](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/new-from-stuart-mott-teardrop-cannulation/2813)
**Author:** [@Dori\_Schatell](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Dori_Schatell)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2014, 7:00pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/new-from-stuart-mott-teardrop-cannulation/2813 "2014-09-11T19:00:25Z")
Hi y'all, Stuart sent this to me and asked me to post it for you. Be sure to look at the photos, which do a great job of showing the drop of saline he mentions. Stuart says: "When we started using wet cannulation in… --- ## [New book: Help, I Need Dialysis! by Dori Schatell, MS & Dr. John Agar](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/new-book-help-i-need-dialysis-by-dori-schatell-ms-dr-john-agar/2755)
**Author:** [@Dori\_Schatell](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Dori_Schatell)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2012, 9:52am UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/new-book-help-i-need-dialysis-by-dori-schatell-ms-dr-john-agar/2755 "2012-02-19T09:52:12Z")
Has your doctor told you that your kidneys are failing? Does the idea of dialysis scare you? This book is for you! Learn how your treatment choice can affect what you eat & drink, how many meds you need, your energy leve… --- ## [Legal disclaimer](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/legal-disclaimer/2253)
**Author:** [@Brian\_Frick](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Brian_Frick)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2010, 10:37am UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/legal-disclaimer/2253 "2010-01-20T10:37:41Z")
Your medical condition is unique to you. Any information provided on this site is designed to support, not replace, the relationship between you and your doctor. Any medical or health advice provided and hosted on this s… --- ## [About Stuart Mott](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/about-stuart-mott/2252)
**Author:** [@Brian\_Frick](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Brian_Frick)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2010, 10:36am UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/about-stuart-mott/2252 "2010-01-20T10:36:29Z")
Stuart Mott, LPN, is a cannulation expert who specializes in the patient’s experience of dialysis needles. He has been a dialysis nurse for more than 20 years, working with patients who have had acute and chronic dialy… --- ## [Cannulation Needles](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/cannulation-needles/10092)
**Author:** [@Lisa315](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Lisa315)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2026, 5:24pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/cannulation-needles/10092 "2026-01-19T17:24:05Z")
I’m interested in cannulating with with a 5/8” 15 gauge needles for our home hemodialysis. Our nurse said he’s unable to get that size on his order sheet. Can anyone tell me where I can buy them? I’ve searched online … --- ## [Buttonhole clotting issue](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/buttonhole-clotting-issue/9861)
**Author:** [@Evarosa](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Evarosa)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2025, 10:34pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/buttonhole-clotting-issue/9861 "2025-07-06T22:34:56Z")
Hello, I’ve been on haemodialysis for almost 8 years (over 7 years using AV fistula on my forearm). I have been using a buttonhole technique from the beginning. Recently I started having issues with my venous buttonhole… --- ## [Day 1 HHD did d not go well](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/day-1-hhd-did-d-not-go-well/9541)
**Author:** [@Ginny](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Ginny)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2024, 1:20pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/day-1-hhd-did-d-not-go-well/9541 "2024-09-14T13:20:43Z")
Well, this will be day 2 of HHD. I am the caregiver. Day one did not go well :cry:. I could not get the venous buttonhole needle in. So disappointed in myself. I’m wondering if the buttonhole is even prepared on the veno… --- ## [Fluid leak around button hole](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/fluid-leak-around-button-hole/9371)
**Author:** [@Aleriocaelum](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Aleriocaelum)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2024, 2:01pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/fluid-leak-around-button-hole/9371 "2024-05-09T14:01:43Z")
I am 35 and have been on dialysis for 13 years, I’ve had button holes this whole time. Roughly 6-8 months ago around the button hole it started to secrete a clear fluid that took a very long time to heal after scratching… --- ## [First time fistula use/ how to create button holes ](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/first-time-fistula-use-how-to-create-button-holes/8747)
**Author:** [@Swatts](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Swatts)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2023, 5:24pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/first-time-fistula-use-how-to-create-button-holes/8747 "2023-09-20T17:24:42Z")
Hi, I was just wanting some general advice please . I’m a wreck . My 12 year old son went into renal failure 4 years ago and can not have a transplant so we will be on heamodialysis long term . We are doung nocturnal H… --- ## [Cannulation problems](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/cannulation-problems/8711)
**Author:** [@Dana33](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Dana33)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2022, 5:02pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/cannulation-problems/8711 "2022-06-28T17:02:08Z")
I just finished home hemo training with my husband. I put the needles in. Everytime this week we’re we were told do start the rope ladder technique for the venus we had a good push but no pull. It actually happened with … --- ## [A newer and better way to clean buttonhole sites](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/a-newer-and-better-way-to-clean-buttonhole-sites/8329)
**Author:** [@Stuart\_Mott](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Stuart_Mott)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2022, 2:25pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/a-newer-and-better-way-to-clean-buttonhole-sites/8329 "2022-05-18T14:25:50Z")
It has come to my attention over tine last several years that my ANNJ article “A Kinder Gentler Way to clean Buttonhole Sites “Sept-Oct 2011 needs an update. Over the last three years plus i have had multiple home dialys… --- ## [Cannulartion problems-newish fistula](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/cannulartion-problems-newish-fistula/8615)
**Author:** [@LPC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/LPC)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2022, 2:26am UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/cannulartion-problems-newish-fistula/8615 "2022-03-23T02:26:35Z")
Hi, very new to HHD. Fistula (upper arm) was placed December 2, 2021. No dialysis until Jan 28th after a heart attack and hospitalization. Anyway, we did HHD training from mid-February to this past week. Buttonhole prob… --- ## [Pain Intense with decannulation](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/pain-intense-with-decannulation/8558)
**Author:** [@DPR](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/DPR)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2022, 10:07pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/pain-intense-with-decannulation/8558 "2022-02-07T22:07:14Z")
Hi Stuart - Thought I would ask this question here since I imagine others may have the same issue. So Robert is doing GREAT (because of your help and expertise) with the touch cannulation on buttonholes with the JMS ne… --- ## [Is it ok to cannulate an aneurysm?](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/is-it-ok-to-cannulate-an-aneurysm/8521)
**Author:** [@kamalshah20](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/kamalshah20)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2022, 10:42pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/is-it-ok-to-cannulate-an-aneurysm/8521 "2022-02-05T22:42:09Z")
I have been on HHD for 15+ years. I have been using buttonholes the entire time. I have a short area for cannulation though. There’s an aneurysm that is there in one area of the arm. I use a pair of sites for cannulation… --- ## [Cannulation problems resolved, or Stuart Mott: Fistula Whisperer Redux](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/cannulation-problems-resolved-or-stuart-mott-fistula-whisperer-redux/7873)
**Author:** [@hoverdj](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/hoverdj)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2022, 10:45pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/cannulation-problems-resolved-or-stuart-mott-fistula-whisperer-redux/7873 "2022-01-26T22:45:31Z")
TL:DR Stuart Mott: (573) 826-8237 If you’re having problems cannulating, CALL STUART. If you are wondering if you should contact Stuart, and how, stop wondering and CALL STUART. Now. No, Really! Call him: (573) 826-823… --- ## [Does anyone else have to pull blood clots thru your fistula needles right after cannulating?](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/does-anyone-else-have-to-pull-blood-clots-thru-your-fistula-needles-right-after-cannulating/8512)
**Author:** [@Rsge72](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Rsge72)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2021, 7:49pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/does-anyone-else-have-to-pull-blood-clots-thru-your-fistula-needles-right-after-cannulating/8512 "2021-12-21T19:49:59Z")
Almost every time I cannulate my arterial needle I get good flashback but by the time I get the needle secured in place with the tape it stops pulsing and I then have to put a empty syringe on the end of the tubing and d… --- ## [Sharp needle removal for Solo HHD](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/sharp-needle-removal-for-solo-hhd/8500)
**Author:** [@TSW](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/TSW)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2021, 7:30pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/sharp-needle-removal-for-solo-hhd/8500 "2021-12-16T19:30:36Z")
Dialysis Tech here: I’m new to this site and to working with HHD patients. I’m training self cannulation. So far, my Solo patients are doing amazing with self cannulation; the issue so far has been with needle REMOVAL… --- ## [Stuart Mott is the Dialysis Fistula Whisperer - NO JOKE](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/stuart-mott-is-the-dialysis-fistula-whisperer-no-joke/7632)
**Author:** [@DPR](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/DPR)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2021, 7:03pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/stuart-mott-is-the-dialysis-fistula-whisperer-no-joke/7632 "2021-10-08T19:03:36Z")
My husband’s dialysis access was in real trouble. We had to do a femoral tunneled catheter in his thigh to give the fistula a rest because he has a pacemaker and a powerport on either side of his chest. Those things ar… --- ## [Found the answerer to infections in buttonholes](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/found-the-answerer-to-infections-in-buttonholes/8240)
**Author:** [@Stuart\_Mott](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Stuart_Mott)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2021, 1:19am UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/found-the-answerer-to-infections-in-buttonholes/8240 "2021-07-18T01:19:37Z")
It has come to my attention over tne last several years that my ANNJ article “A Kinder Gentler Way to clean Buttonhole Sites “ Sept-Oct 2011 needs a update. Over the last three years plus i have had multiple home dialysi… --- ## [The Genius of Stuart Mott](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/the-genius-of-stuart-mott/2810)
**Author:** [@Dori\_Schatell](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Dori_Schatell)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2020, 12:11am UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/the-genius-of-stuart-mott/2810 "2020-05-09T00:11:11Z")
Hi y'all, I figure that Stuart is too modest to post this link to Peter Laird's terrific blog post about his terrific work preventing buttonhole infections. But, I'm not! :slight\_smile: http://www.hemodoc.com/2012/… --- ## [Cannulating Ellipsys fistula](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/cannulating-ellipsys-fistula/7689)
**Author:** [@Jenessa](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Jenessa)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2020, 10:31pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/cannulating-ellipsys-fistula/7689 "2020-04-23T22:31:41Z")
Is there a different cannulation technique to be used with an Ellipsys fistula as compared to fistulas created without Ellipsys technique? --- ## [Showering or swimming after closing a session with buttonholes](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/showering-or-swimming-after-closing-a-session-with-buttonholes/7148)
**Author:** [@kamalshah20](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/kamalshah20)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2020, 9:07am UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/showering-or-swimming-after-closing-a-session-with-buttonholes/7148 "2020-03-18T09:07:50Z")
Hello Stuart, Is it necessary to cover the buttonhole sites after they’ve clotted before going for a shower or swimming an hour or so after coming off a session? My sites clot pretty fast and I usually shower about a co… --- ## [NeuroRehabilitation](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/neurorehabilitation/7605)
**Author:** [@rehabilitationclinic](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/rehabilitationclinic)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 29, 2020, 1:29pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/neurorehabilitation/7605 "2020-02-29T13:29:25Z")
Effect Factor: NeuroRehabilitation, a worldwide, interdisciplinary, peer-investigated diary, distributes compositions concentrated on deductively based, handy data important to all parts of neurologic recovery. We distr… --- ## [Types of Buttonhole Needles on the market in US](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/types-of-buttonhole-needles-on-the-market-in-us/7595)
**Author:** [@DPR](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/DPR)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 4:39pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/types-of-buttonhole-needles-on-the-market-in-us/7595 "2020-02-28T16:39:06Z")
Hello Stuart - First of all, I just want to say how incredibly appreciative my husband and I are for your guidance on re-cannulating his rested fistula for the first time after a major infiltration. You helped make the… --- ## [Touch Cannulation, Tear Drop, Emla](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/touch-cannulation-tear-drop-emla/7590)
**Author:** [@DPR](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/DPR)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2020, 3:27am UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/touch-cannulation-tear-drop-emla/7590 "2020-02-28T03:27:22Z")
Hello Stuart - My husband has been on home hemodialysis for 9 years. We’ve been using buttonholes for most of that time. He’s severely needle phobic so I (wife) do the cannulation. Recently, we lost both his buttonho… --- ## [Perm venous access](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/perm-venous-access/6871)
**Author:** [@nefros](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/nefros)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2019, 12:20am UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/perm-venous-access/6871 "2019-09-09T00:20:40Z")
Hello Stuart, What are the major challenges for permanent venous access? Is it the risk of infection? If yes, what kind of infection we mean? Blood infection or skin/tissue infection? Thanks --- ## [Featured Post - Stuart Mott Cannulation Technique Videos](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/featured-post-stuart-mott-cannulation-technique-videos/6914)
**Author:** [@pklicko](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/pklicko)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2019, 8:09pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/featured-post-stuart-mott-cannulation-technique-videos/6914 "2019-04-15T20:09:23Z")
Cannulation expert Stuart Mott has provided brief videos to outline how to overcome needle fear, prevent Buttonhole infection, and use Touch, Teardrop, and Tandem Hand cannulation. You can view them at https://homedial… --- ## [Sticking the venous](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/sticking-the-venous/6050)
**Author:** [@Milly](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Milly)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2018, 12:25pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/sticking-the-venous/6050 "2018-09-23T12:25:12Z")
After my husband returned from the hospital, I have had trouble sticking the venous. The nurse said maybe they came too close when they dialyzed him in the hospital and messed up the tracks. I have been able to start a… --- ## [Teardrop cannulation](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/teardrop-cannulation/6106)
**Author:** [@Khaileah1](https://forums.homedialysis.org/u/Khaileah1)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2018, 11:30pm UTC](https://forums.homedialysis.org/t/teardrop-cannulation/6106 "2018-08-09T23:30:27Z")
Are teardrop cannulation and wet cannulation the same thing? Is the webinar or any Informtio. Still available with pictures to explain the technique? [Next page](https://forums.homedialysis.org/c/ask-our-experts/stuart-mott-cannulation-expert/20.md?page=1)