Word parts
What it means
The surgeon joins an artery directly to a vein, usually in the forearm or upper arm. The fast arterial flow makes the vein grow large and strong over weeks to months, so it can take the two needles used for dialysisdy-AL-ih-sisA treatment that removes wastes and extra fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do it.dia- through, apart-lysis separation, looseningFull entry again and again. It lasts longer and causes fewer infections than a dialysis catheter. A connection between an artery and a vein can also happen by injury or birth defect, but in nursing the word usually means the dialysis access.
For the nurse
Check that it is working each shift: feel for the buzz (thrill) and listen for the whooshing sound (bruit). Do not take blood pressures, start IVs or draw blood in that arm. Teach the client to avoid tight sleeves, watches or carrying heavy things on that arm, and not to sleep on it.
At a glance
| Also written | AV fistula, AVF |
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Related terms
chronic kidney disease
Kidney damage or reduced kidney function that lasts longer than three months.
dialysis
A treatment that removes wastes and extra fluid from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do it.
fistula
An abnormal passage between two organs or vessels, or between an organ and the skin.
bruit
A whooshing or blowing sound heard with a stethoscope over a blood vessel.
arteriovenous
Relating to both arteries and veins, or joining an artery to a vein.
thrill
A buzzing or vibrating feeling felt with the fingertips over a blood vessel or the heart.