Definitions for "AV fistula"
Also known as arteriovenous fistula. 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.
a connection made between your own artery and vein
a surgically placed "shunt" whereby an artery is directly sutured to a vein