Arteriovenous fistula
| Classification according to ICD-10 | |
|---|---|
| Q27.3 | Arteriovenous malformation of the peripheral vessels |
| Q28.01 | Congenital arteriovenous fistula of the precerebral vessels |
| Q28.21 | Congenital arteriovenous fistula of the cerebral vessels |
| I25.4 | Coronary arteriovenous fistula, acquired |
| I67.11 | Cerebral arteriovenous fistula, acquired |
| I77.0 | Arteriovenous fistula, acquired |
| ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019) | |
An arteriovenous fistula (syn .: AV fistula) is an abnormal connection (short circuit) between an artery and a vein . Normally, blood from arteries flows through arterioles , capillaries , venules and only then back to the heart via veins .
These connections can rarely be congenital, but mostly result from injuries, often through puncture of vessels, for example as part of an angiographic examination, when the artery and vein are close together. In the context of dialysis treatment , such a connection is desired, a s. G. Shunt , created to ensure a higher blood flow during treatment.
The diagnostic method of choice for fistulas outside the brain is color Doppler-assisted ultrasound . The radiological representation in fluoroscopy or in the context of a computer tomography is more complex and somewhat more stressful due to the use of an X-ray contrast medium .
Small arteriovenous fistulas are usually treated first with compression and immobilization; in the hope that the connection will close spontaneously. If this does not succeed, various vascular surgical options are conceivable.
