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What is an AV fistula?

An AV or arteriovenous fistula is a surgically created connection of an artery to a vein. The fistula causes the vein to become larger and stronger because of extra blood flow from the artery that has been connected. The creation of the AV fistula for patients undergoing dialysis provides easier and reliable access to blood vessels. Typically veins would not withstand repeated needle insertion required for dialysis procedures and may even collapse. The AV fistula forms preferred access for dialysis. An AV fistula is often placed in the non-dominant arm, but can be created in a leg.

Why are AV fistulas created for dialysis?

How is an AV fistula created for dialysis?

How do you access an AV fistula for dialysis?

Is fistula for dialysis painful?

How long does an AV fistula last?

What is the most common complication of AV fistula?

* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

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