What is Dialysis AV Fistula?
An arteriovenous (AV) fistula is an irregular connection between an artery and a vein. Usually, blood flows from the arteries to tiny blood vessels (capillaries), and then on to the veins. Nutrients and oxygen in the blood travel from the capillaries to tissues in the body.
With an arteriovenous fistula, blood flows directly from an artery into a vein, avoiding some capillaries. When this happens, tissues below the avoided capillaries receive less blood.
Arteriovenous fistulas usually occur in the legs but can develop anywhere in the body. An arteriovenous fistula may be surgically created for use in dialysis in people with severe kidney disease.
Symptoms of arteriovenous fistulas depend on where they form in the body. A large untreated arteriovenous fistula can lead to serious complications. Treatment for arteriovenous fistulas includes monitoring, compression, catheter-based procedures and, sometimes, surgery.
Symptoms-
Small arteriovenous fistulas in the legs, arms, lungs, kidneys or brain often won't have any signs or symptoms. Small arteriovenous fistulas usually don't need treatment other than monitoring by a health care provider. Large arteriovenous fistulas may cause signs and symptoms.
Arteriovenous fistula signs and symptoms may include:
- Purplish, bulging veins seen through the skin, similar to varicose veins
- Swelling in the arms or legs
- Decreased blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Heart failure
A significant arteriovenous fistula in the lungs (pulmonary arteriovenous fistula) is a serious condition and can cause:
- Pale gray or blue lips or fingernails due to lack of blood flow (cyanosis)
- Fingertips to spread out and become rounder than normal (clubbing)
- Coughing up blood
- An arteriovenous fistula in the digestive tract can cause gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
Risk factors-
Certain genetic or congenital conditions increase the risk of arteriovenous fistulas. Other potential risk factors for arteriovenous fistulas include:
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Older age
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Female sex
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Cardiac catheterization, especially if the procedure involves blood vessels in the groin
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Certain medications, including some blood thinners (anticoagulants) and medications used to control bleeding (antifibrinolytics)
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High blood pressure
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Increased body mass index (BMI)
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