Easing Dialysis Cannulation Pain with Buzzy Pro!

by Jane Sayers
Kidney failure is a growing health issue in Australia and New Zealand. Between 2000 and 2021, the number of people receiving dialysis in Australia more than doubled, rising from 6,400 to 15,200. Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that mimics the kidney’s ability to remove waste and excess water from the blood, while balancing vital minerals such as potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Though it is commonly used for chronic kidney failure, dialysis is also essential for treating acute kidney failure caused by temporary illness or injury. In 2021, over 3,000 people were living on dialysis in New Zealand.

For the approximately 15,000 Australians dependent on renal dialysis, the process can be physically taxing and emotionally challenging. Haemodialysis, a common form of dialysis, requires patients to endure the insertion of large-bore needles into a fistula or graft site three times a week – more than 300 needle insertions annually. This repetitive process can trigger significant anxiety and discomfort. A study conducted by Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CAHLN) revealed that 36% of dialysis patients reported a fear of needles.

Enter the Buzzy Pro: a clever device designed to alleviate cannulation pain. USA-based Pain Care Labs originally designed the Buzzy device to help children with needle fear, and the company have now crafted the Buzzy Pro, tailored specifically for adults undergoing longer medical procedures like dialysis. This new version offers a game-changing solution to reduce pain and anxiety during treatment.

In clinical testing, the Buzzy Pro has proven to be a hit among dialysis patients. It helps control the pain of needle insertion, giving patients the autonomy to position the device for optimal relief. The Buzzy Pro is designed to maximize the mechanical stimulation and ice surface area, making it particularly effective for dialysis shunts, arteriovenous fistulas, and blood draw sites.

While some dialysis centres offer topical anaesthetic creams, these take time to work and may not always be available. The Buzzy Pro, on the other hand, provides nearly instant pain relief. Using a combination of vibration to disrupt pain signals and ice wings to numb the insertion area, the Buzzy Pro is fast, easy to set up, and effective on contact.

Efforts to improve the dialysis experience extend beyond devices like Buzzy. Programs such as INJECT, funded by Kidney, Transplant, and Diabetes Research Australia, are also making a difference. INJECT focuses on helping dialysis nurses identify and manage needle fear in patients. By training staff in best practices for pain management and needling techniques, the program aims to improve patient care and overall treatment experiences.

Ultimately, these innovations and programs are transforming the daily lives of dialysis patients. By reducing the painful burden of treatment, tools like the Buzzy Pro and initiatives like INJECT are helping people with kidney disease achieve critical life goals and live more comfortably.

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