What is the primary purpose of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF)?

The primary purpose of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is to connect an artery to a vein. This connection creates a pathway that allows for increased blood flow, which is essential for patients undergoing dialysis. By linking an artery—where blood pressure is higher—to a vein, the resulting vascular access site can be used for the efficient removal and return of blood during dialysis treatments.

The AVF allows the vein to undergo natural dilation and thickening over time due to the increased blood flow, leading to a robust vascular access point that supports repeated needling by healthcare professionals. This is particularly crucial because patients with kidney failure often require regular dialysis, making reliable and durable vascular access a key component of their treatment.