arteriovenous fistula
Last reviewed 01/2018
Direct communication between an artery and a vein. It may be:
- congenital
- acquired as a result of trauma - for example, from a penetrating wound or a sharp blow;
- majority are caused by low-velocity penetrating injuries from a knife or small-calibre missile
- surgically created - for example, in the forearms or legs of patients undergoing renal dialysis
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