Patient was instructed on AV fistula or shunt as follows:
- Hemodialysis requires a bigger site than a normal vein for an easy access and good blood flow.
- AV fistula or shunt is a connection that is established surgically between an artery and a vein in the arm, in patients who are in renal failure and will continue dialysis for long term.
- Veins have less pressure and are more elastic and easily distensible than arteries. When the connection is established, blood flows from artery to the vein in the arm, as artery has higher pressure than the vein.
- The connection becomes bigger in size, swollen, and mature secondary to the pressure of increased blood flow from the artery to vein.
- This site can serve as an access for good blood flow and can last for long term.
