Control of bleeding from cannulation sites with topical thrombin in dialyzed patients.

Topical thrombin was applied to the cannulation sites during and after withdrawal of the needles. The duration of bleeding was reduced by 50% compared to the control period in patients with various internal arteriovenous communications undergoing maintenance hemodialysis treatment. Accordingly, use of topical thrombin appears effective in saving patients and staffs time, minimizing the blood loss in these anemic patients, and preventing the possible injurious effect of prolonged compression of vascular access to accomplish hemostasis.