How long does it take to create an AV fistula?

An AV fistula frequently requires 2 to 3 months to develop, or mature, before the patient can use it for hemodialysis. If an AV fistula fails to mature after surgery, the surgeon must repeat the procedure.

How a fistula is created?

Traditionally, vascular specialists or vascular surgeons have created fistulas through minor surgery. An incision is made in the arm, called an “open-approach,” and the surgeon or specialist will identify the vessels, create the AV fistula by suturing the artery and vein together, and finally suture the skin closed.

How do you get AV fistula?

How Your Access Works

1. A fistula, an access made by joining an artery and vein in your arm.
2. A graft, an access made by using a piece of soft tube to join an artery and vein in your arm.
3. A catheter, a soft tube that is placed in a large vein, usually in your neck.

What is AVF creation?

An AVF creation is surgery to connect an artery to a vein. This surgery is done so you can receive hemodialysis. The AVF is usually placed in your forearm or upper arm.

What are the steps in the creation of a fistula?

The steps in creating any fistula involve preoperative evaluation of the vasculature, the possible harvest of a vessel for transposition or use of autogenous graft, the creation of an anastomosis, ligation of branch vessels and wound closure. The anastomosis can be completed between artery and vein on one of two techniques.

What are the requirements for an AV fistula?

AV fistula creation requires adequate arterial and venous anatomy to support its creation, and a sufficient time interval to allow the AV fistula to mature prior to its use. Unfortunately, failure of maturation remains a problem highlighting the importance of the preoperative evaluation [ 2 ].

How is an AV fistula created for dialysis?

Once it has been determined that you are a candidate for an AV fistula, an appointment will be scheduled for the AV fistula creation. To create an AV fistula, the vascular specialist will administer local anesthesia to the chosen access site. Next, your physician will make a small incision, allowing access to the selected arteries and veins.

Where is the incision in an AV fistula?

In the case of a transposition brachiobasilic AV fistula (~5% of cases), the incision is longer, and extended along the length of the basilic vein (on the inside of the arm above the elbow). The vein and artery are carefully dissected.