a connection between an artery and a vein in which blood flows directly from the artery into the vein

a direct abnormal connection between an artery and a vein, allowing blood to shunt directly from the high pressure artery to the low pressure vein

an abnormal channel between an artery and a vein

an abnormal connection of an artery and a vein

An abnormal communication between an artery and a vein, usually resulting in an arteriovenous aneurysm.

an abnormal communication between an artery and a vein, bypassing the capillary bed

Surgical connection of an artery directly to a vein, usually in the forearm, created in patients who will need hemodialysis (see dialysis). The AV fistula causes the vein to grow thicker, allowing the repeated needle insertions required for hemodialysis.

surgery The surgical joining of an artery and a vein under the skin for the purpose of haemodialysis . Larger arteriovenous shunts can place strain on the heart since arterial blood is diverted back to the venous circulation before it has a chance to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the body tissues

A surgically created connection between an artery and a vein, commonly used as part of the blood access system for hemodialysis.

Abnormal communication between an artery and a vein. Usually either congenital or traumatic in origin.

An arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway between an artery and a vein. It may be congenital, surgically created for hemodialysis treatments, or acquired due to pathologic process, such as trauma or erosion of an arterial aneurysm.