What does AVF mean in UNCLASSIFIED

An AVF stands for arteriovenous fistula, which is essentially a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein on the body's surface. It is used to help facilitate blood flow to dialysis machines during hemodialysis treatments which are generally given to individuals with kidney failure.

Doctors typically use a procedure called end-to-end or side-to-side anastomosis in order to create an AVF. A surgeon connects one of the veins in your arm directly to one of your nearby arteries using small stitches before covering up the wound with layers of clothes.

Generally, it takes four to eight weeks after surgery before the fistula can be used for hemodialysis treatments. During this time, blood can flow freely through the fistula so that it becomes larger and stronger, meaning it will be ready for use by the time you need it.

The frequency at which you will need dialysis depends on each individual case and can range from three times per week up to seven times per week. Your doctor will be able to give you more information about your specific treatment plan and schedule based on your unique case and needs.

While creating an AVF provides greater flexibility when accessing veins for medical purposes, there are some minor risks associated with having one including infection, clotting, and bruising around the site of insertion. Therefore, it's important that you take proper care of your AVF by keeping it clean, changing dressings as directed by your doctor and avoiding any strenuous activity in that area of your body until complete healing has taken place.