An AV fistula is a surgical connection made between an artery and a vein, typically located in your arm, however, if necessary it can be placed in the leg. With an AV fistula, blood flows from the artery directly into the vein, increasing the blood pressure and amount of blood flow through the vein. The increased flow and pressure causes the veins to enlarge. The enlarged veins will be capable of delivering the amount of blood flow necessary to provide an adequate hemodialysis treatment.

Advantages of an AV fistula

• Remains functional longer than other forms of vascular access
• No synthetic material implanted in your body
• Provides the necessary blood flow needed for effective dialysis, which may help to decrease treatment time
• Low risk of infection
• Less prone to clotting than other dialysis access options
• Created in an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia
• Fast return to your daily activities.

After the AV fistula has been created, it will take several weeks, in some cases a month or longer, for the fistula to mature to the point where it will be able to be used for hemodialysis .