AV fistula

Question 1

Describe an AV fistula

Answer 1

direct connections between arteries and veins

Question 2

AV fistulae are formed surgically and never occur pathologically. TRUE/FALSE?

Answer 2

FALSE
- very rarely can occur pathologically
- most are made surgically for dialysis

Question 3

AV fistulae are the preferred method for dialysis delivery. TRUE/FALSE?

Answer 3

TRUE
- due to lower rate of complications

Question 4

How long may it take for an AV fistula to develop?

Answer 4

6 to 8 weeks.

Question 5

Complications of AV fistulae

Answer 5

• infection
• thrombosis
• stenosis
• steal syndrome

Question 6

How can a thrombosis in an AV fistula be detected?

Answer 6

absence of a bruit

Question 7

How does AV fistula stenosis present?

Answer 7

may present with acute limb pain

Question 8

What is steal syndrome?

Answer 8

• retrograde blood flow in the vertebral artery or the internal thoracic artery
• due to a proximal stenosis/ occlusion of the subclavian artery from the AV fistula

Question 9

Signs/symptoms of steal syndrome

Answer 9

• Presyncope/Syncope
• Neurologic deficits
• BP different bilaterally
• severe memory problems
• hands showing circulation problems