The Effect of Far Infrared Heat Therapy on Vascular Access Function of Patients receiving Hemodialysis

원적외선 온열요법이 혈액투석 환자의 혈관통로 기능에 미치는 효과

Purpose: For hemodialysis, a vascular access which can maintain a certain speed for a long time is required. The prevention of the vascular access dysfunction is very important to decrease morbidity and to improvethe quality of life of patients receiving hemodialysis It is reported that far infrared heat increases the blood flow by expanding capillaries and micro-arteriovenouses. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of far infrared heat therapy as a new nursing intervention for maintaining vascular access function and improving the blood flow of patients receiving hemodialysis. Methods: The quasi-experimental research of nonequivalent control group pre-post test design was carried out for 59 patients receiving hemodialysis 3 times per week at K medical center. A far infrared heat was applied to the experimental group for 3 months. Results: The arteriovenous fistula blood flow of the experimental group (far infrared heat therapy group) increased significantly when compared to the control group (p=.047). However, static intra-access pressure ratio(SIAPR)was not different statistically (p=.101). Conclusion: The far infrared therapy could be considered as nursing intervention of choice as it demonstrated increase in the arteriovenous fistula blood flow in the patients receiving hemodialysis.