What it means
A surgically placed tube, usually in the forearm or upper arm, that connects an artery to a vein. It gives a strong flow of blood that the dialysis needles can reach. It works like an arteriovenous fistula, which joins the client's own artery and vein directly, but uses a man-made tube; it can be used sooner, within a few weeks, though it clots and gets infected more often.
For the nurse
Feel for the thrill (a buzzing vibration) and listen for the bruit (a whooshing sound) every shift, and report if they are gone. Never take a blood pressure, start an IV or draw blood in that arm; post a sign. Teach the client not to wear tight sleeves, carry heavy bags on that arm or sleep on it.
At a glance
| Also written | AV graft, AVG, arteriovenous grafts |
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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.