Arteriovenous fistula
An arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal channel or passage between an artery and a vein.
An arteriovenous fistula is a disruption of the normal blood flow pattern. Normally,
oxygenated blood flows to the tissue through arteries and capillaries. Following the
release of oxygen in the tissues, the blood returns to the heart in veins. An
arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal connection of an artery and a vein. The blood
bypasses the capillaries and tissues, and returns to the heart. Arterial blood has a
higher blood pressure than veins and causes swelling of veins involved in a fistula.
There are two types of arteriovenous fistulas, congenital and acquired.