Etymed
arteriovenous fistula
Definition
An abnormal connection or communication between an artery and a vein, bypassing the capillary bed
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man presents with a搏动性肿块 and audible bruit over his left upper arm. He reports that his dialysis access has been difficult to palpate. Physical examination reveals a thrill and bruit over the arteriovenous fistula site. This patient's arteriovenous fistula is likely a complication of chronic kidney disease requiring hemodialysis access.
Mnemonic
AV fistula = Artery-Vein connection bypassing capillaries, creating a direct shunt