Adhesive handling and fixation system for buttonhole devices in haemodialysis
An integrated adhesive handling and fixation system designed to facilitate the placement, handling, fixation and removal of buttonhole devices used in haemodialysis.
The technology was originally developed to facilitate the placement and fixation of ButtonAid, a device developed within UAntwerpen and UZA to support the formation of a reproducible buttonhole tract for haemodialysis access.
However, the adhesive system can also be adapted to other buttonhole devices and represents a stand-alone licensing opportunity for dialysis device manufacturers.
Situation before
In the buttonhole technique, dedicated devices may be positioned within the developing access tract between dialysis sessions to support tract formation. Currently, these devices can be covered using a conventional adhesive dressing. However, as the dressing is not integrated with the buttonhole device itself, it does not directly secure the device, allowing movement relative to the skin and within the developing tract between dialysis sessions. In addition, placement and removal can be challenging due to the small size of the devices. These limitations create a need for an integrated handling and fixation solution.
Technology
The technology provides a multi-layer adhesive handling and fixation system for buttonhole devices used in haemodialysis. By integrating the buttonhole device into the adhesive dressing itself, the dressing becomes an integral part of the handling and fixation of the device rather than merely covering it.
The adhesive system supports:
- handling: provides a larger interface for manipulating the relatively small buttonhole device, reducing the need for extra holders to grasp the device;
- placement: allows the nurse to position the buttonhole device in the access tract while preserving sterility;
- fixation: connects the buttonhole device to the adhesive dressing and secures its position relative to the skin between dialysis sessions;
- removal: enables the nurse to withdraw the buttonhole device without the need for additional tools.
The system can be adapted to both plug-type and hollow needle-guiding devices, including multi-component systems.
Application example: ButtonAid device
The below figure illustrates a representative treatment cycle using the buttonhole assembly. The system consists of an intradermal Button, a removable Plug that protects the tract between dialysis sessions, and an external adhesive fixation system that secures the assembly to the skin.
The following steps illustrate the use of the adhesive handling and fixation system with ButtonAid throughout the treatment cycle:
Step 1 – Placement and fixation: The ButtonAid assembly is inserted into the developing buttonhole tract and secured to the skin using the adhesive fixation system.
Step 2 – Preparation for dialysis: The Plug is removed before dialysis, while the hollow Button remains in place within the tract.
Step 3 – Needle insertion: The dialysis needle is inserted through the hollow Button and guided along the developing access pathway towards the vascular access.
Step 4 – Removal after dialysis: Following dialysis, the adhesive fixation system is removed, allowing the Button and needle to be withdrawn together. A new ButtonAid device can then be inserted to maintain and protect the developing tract until the next dialysis session.
Development status and pre-clinical validation
The adhesive system has undergone iterative development and pre-clinical evaluation involving dialysis nurses, designers and engineers. The technology was refined through usability studies, adhesive performance testing and cadaver evaluations, before being assessed as an integrated component of the ButtonAid system in a pre-clinical sheep study.
These studies demonstrated the feasibility and practical usability of the technology for both plug-type and hollow needle-guiding devices and provide a solid basis for further product development, clinical validation and regulatory advancement.
IP position
An international patent application with application number PCT/EP2025/074628 was filed on August 29th, 2025
Partners we search for
- Partners interested in integrating the adhesive handling and fixation technology into their own existing buttonhole product
- Partners interested in licensing or acquiring the adhesive handling and fixation technology in combination with ButtonAid
- Partners for further product development, usability testing, manufacturing and regulatory validation
About the researchers/research group
This technology is the result of a multidisciplinary collaboration between Antwerp Design Factory, the pre-incubation unit of the University of Antwerp’s Product Development Research Group, and Antwerp University Hospital (UZA). The collaboration combines the clinical expertise of nephrologists and nurses (Prof. dr. Hans De Fijter, Dr. Rowena De Vleut and Jonas Vander Vliet) with design-based and user experience research of product designers Florentijn Vandecasteele and Prof. dr. Lukas Van Campenhout.
More information
University of Antwerp
Valorisation Office
Middelheimlaan 1
2020 Antwerpen