Arteriovenous Fistula – Symptoms & Treatments | MedStar Health

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An arteriovenous fistula is when an artery and a vein are directly connected rather than the normal artery-capillary-vein connections found throughout the body. Fistulas can form before birth, can be the result of injuries, and vascular surgeons can also create fistulas to support dialysis. They can occur anywhere in the body where an artery or vein are located close together. Arteriovenous fistulas can be harmless or can become a significant medical issue.

Symptoms 

An arteriovenous fistula is when an artery and a vein are directly connected rather than the normal artery-capillary-vein connections found throughout the body. Fistulas can form before birth, can be the result of injuries, and vascular surgeons can also create fistulas to support dialysis. They can occur anywhere in the body where an artery or vein are located close together. Arteriovenous fistulas can be harmless or can become a significant medical issue.

  • Swelling at the fistula site
  • Vein bulge
  • Warmer than the skin farther away from the site
  • Skin may turn red or purple

A large arteriovenous fistula on the arms or legs can impede blood flow causing cell damage. The symptoms include:

  • Pain and cramping
  • Skin wounds that do not heal
  • Numbness and tingling

Tests

Angiogram (Angiography)

An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.

Arterial Duplex Ultrasound for Arms and Legs

Arterial duplex ultrasound uses Doppler and traditional ultrasound to assess blood flow in the arteries of your arms and legs.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology used to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Treatments

Arteriovenous fistulas are normally treatable and curable depending on the size and location in the body. Treatment options include:

  • Medication to prevent blood clots from forming
  • Endovascular surgery: catheter-based techniques to plug the fistula with a stent or surgical glue
  • Open surgery to separate the artery and vein or to create a graft repair the blood vessels
  • Radiation Therapy to create scar tissue so blood cannot pass through the fistula

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