Continuing Education Activity

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are abnormal connections between arteries and veins. AVFs can be surgically created, can occur as a result of a congenital or genetic anomaly, or be secondary to iatrogenic injury or trauma. Other than the surgically created types of fistulas, these are quite rare. Due to the pressure gradient between the arterial and venous systems, these can cause significant pathologic effects on the body with the severity depending on the location of the fistula. This activity reviews the role of the interprofessional team in the evaluation and management of arteriovenous fistulas.

Objectives:

• Summarize the pathophysiology of arteriovenous fistula.

• Describe the clinical presentation of patients with arteriovenous fistula.

• Outline the options available for the management of arteriovenous fistula.

• Review the role of the interprofessional team in ensuring the best outcomes for patients having arteriovenous fistula.

Introduction

Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are abnormal connections between an artery and a vein (see Diagram. Diagram of Arteriovenous Fistula).[1] In certain contexts, these may also be referred to as arteriovenous malformations.[2] AVFs can exist almost anywhere in the body, depending on the etiology. These can be divided into two groups: acquired or congenital. Acquired fistulas can be further subdivided into surgically created, as in for hemodialysis, or secondary to trauma, whether accidental or procedure-related. 

The anatomy of the fistula depends on the location in the body. AVFs for hemodialysis are typically created in the extremities and the upper extremity is generally preferred over the lower extremity by vascular surgeons. The cephalic and basilic veins are often used for the surgical creation of an AVF. The radial artery at the volar wrist and the brachial artery at the antecubital fossa and medial upper arm are typical anatomical locations for fistula creation, although the radio-cephalic AVF is the preferred initial access for hemodialysis.[3] 

Two types of lower extremity surgical AVFs for hemodialysis have been described in the literature. The superficial femoral vein or popliteal vein can be mobilized from the knee to anastomose with the superficial femoral artery; this is called an SFV transposition. The saphenous vein can be used to create a loop AVF on the anterior thigh, anastomosed with the common femoral artery.[4][5]

Although no type of congenital AV fistula is common, reported locations for congenital AVFs include pulmonary, aortocaval, dural, carotid-cavernous, coronary, and hepatic.[6][7][8][9] While the majority of neck fistulas do occur secondary to trauma, congenital vertebrovertebral fistulas and carotid-jugular fistulas have been described in children.[10] 

AVFs as a result of iatrogenic injury are typically a result of surgical procedures, invasive line placement, or needle biopsy. The literature demonstrates multiple reports of iatrogenic injury resulting years after surgical procedures.[11][12] Traumatic AVF can essentially occur wherever there is trauma and these can also have a late presentation.[13] Greater than 50% of traumatic AVFs happen in the lower extremity, and about one-third occur in the femoral vessels, while 15% take place in the popliteal vessels.[14]

Etiology

Arteriovenous fistulas can be surgically created for hemodialysis access, can occur as a result of a congenital anomaly, or be secondary to iatrogenic injury or trauma. Penetration of any mixed-type vasculature can ultimately result in the healing of arteries and veins together, bypassing downstream arteriole and capillary systems.

Iatrogenic Fistulas

These are most commonly reported as a result of percutaneous access of the femoral vein and femoral artery during cardiac catheterization; although, subclavian and carotid fistulas have been reported in association with the placement of central lines.[15] The most common AVFs described as a result of percutaneous biopsy are renal; however, these are typically self-limited, and very few require intervention.[16] 

Traumatic Fistulas

These are often associated with direct arterial trauma and long bone fractures, especially where an artery and vein are in close communication. Ninety percent of traumatic AVFs are due to penetrating trauma, the majority of which are gunshot wounds.[17] A small portion of neck AVFs can occur in association with a hyperextension injury or spine surgery. Carotid-cavernous fistulas, typically due to trauma, can be fatal and are most often associated with a basilar skull fracture, penetrating trauma to the area, and ruptured aneurysms.[18] Two-thirds of traumatic AVFs are diagnosed within one week of the injury; however, some may present weeks to years after the event.[19][20] 

Congenital Fistulas

These are not well-understood. Congenital AVFs of the central nervous system can be dural or carotid cavernous. AVFs of the neck are mostly due to trauma; however, fibromuscular dysplasia, neurofibromatosis, and other types of collagen disorders have been associated. Pulmonary vascular malformations are typically simple and more similar to AVFs than to a true malformation.[21] Other types of AVFs are very rare.

Epidemiology

Arteriovenous fistulas were originally described by William Hunter as early as 1757.[14] Much of the experience in managing AVFs originated out of traumatic injuries resulting in AVFs from the Second World War, the Korean War, and Vietnam War. 215 AVFs and aneurysms were reported as a result of the Korean War.[22] In the civilian population, traumatic AVFs of the abdomen and extremities are equally distributed, unlike the military, where the majority of traumatic AVFs occur in the extremities.[23][17] This difference is likely on account of body armor worn by the military. Demonstrably, traumatic fistulas are much more common than congenital fistulas and are more frequently discussed. Congenital fistulas are generally rare and found in case reports and small studies.[24]

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reported as of 2013, over 468,000 patients were on hemodialysis. Twenty percent of those patients receive dialysis via a surgically created AVF. In the HEMO Study published in 2000, AVF prevalence varied between dialysis centers from 4-77%. The authors discovered a decreased prevalence of AVF compared to other means of hemodialysis in females, blacks, obese, elderly, and patients with peripheral arterial disease. Geographically, the rate of AVF creation varies greatly, with the highest rates being in the Northeast and the lowest in the Southwest of the United States.[25]

History and Physical

The presentation of arteriovenous fistulas can vary depending on the location and etiology. Patients with an AVF for hemodialysis will present with evidence of a surgical incision on the lateral wrist, volar forearm, or upper arm. A working AVF will have a palpable thrill and continuous bruit. A patient with an AVF with an outflow obstruction may present with a pulsatile fistula or prolonged bleeding from a puncture site from hemodialysis. Superficial fistulas have a palpable thrill, a bruit, or even a pulsatile mass. It may be possible to auscultate a machinery-like murmur over the fistula.[26]

Fistulas of the extremities, regardless of etiology, may present with signs of venous hypertension, including varicosities, pain, and swelling. If there has been a long-standing fistula, there may be a significant size discrepancy between the two limbs. If the patient reports a history of trauma, anywhere from weeks to years after injury, in particular with long bone fractures or ongoing neurologic deficits, the index of suspicion for AVF should be raised even in the event of a clinically normal exam.[17]

Patients with congenital AVF may not present until later in life, and a history of trauma should be ruled out. Depending upon location, these fistulas may be low-flow at birth and become high-flow lesions in adulthood. Patients with brain arteriovenous malformations can present with headaches, neurologic deficits, seizures, or a combination. These patients can also be at risk for hemorrhage or ischemia to the parenchyma surrounding the AVM/AVF due to steal syndrome.

In severe, chronic, or high flow fistulas, patients can present in high output cardiac failure, which results in shunting of oxygenated blood back to the right heart. Due to the shortcut that the arterial blood takes through the venous system, this results in decreased peripheral resistance. In order to maintain blood pressure, the total circulating blood volume is increased, leading to heart failure. The Nicoladoni-Israel-Branham sign is a finding of reflex bradycardia with compression of the fistula due to increased afterload.[10]

Cutaneous AVFs can present with a pink stain, a mass, dilated veins, unequal limb size, or skin ulceration. Patients may feel limb heaviness that aggravates with dependency and relieves with elevation. Almost one-half of patients experience pain.[27]The pain may be because of ischemic tissues or by compression effect on surrounding nerves. Some lesions can be tender, such as glomuvenous malformations.

On examination, there could be an increase in the size of the limb, swelling, discoloration, or prominent vessels with a murmur or palpable thrill. The lesions may also be pulsatile. Over the lesion, there could be hyperhidrosis, hyperthermia, hypertrichosis, or a bruit. Limbs and joints may be functionally impaired from mass effect or necrosis from prolonged tissue ischemia. Visceral AVFs can present with hematemesis, hematuria, hemoptysis, or melena. Occasionally patients may have an initial presentation of heart failure particularly in cases where the fistula is between a very large artery and vein.[28]

Evaluation

Beyond the clinical evaluation from history and physical, a duplex ultrasound (US) is a non-invasive and inexpensive way to confirm the diagnosis of AVF, given that the AVF is superficial. The duplex US will demonstrate low resistance flow in the feeding artery. At the anastomosis or fistula, turbulence and high-velocity flow are demonstrated. Thickened walls and high-velocity flow will be seen in the dilated draining veins or venous plexus of the AVF. A pseudoaneurysm, venous aneurysm, or a dilated feeding artery may also be demonstrated on the ultrasound exam.[15]

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) both show early contrast filling in the arterial phase in the involved vein. While MRA may not be an option in trauma or post-trauma patient due to residual metal, CTA is reliable, non-invasive, and accessible as an initial diagnostic test. Disadvantages of CTA include streak artifact from metallic objects (which can be an issue in penetrating trauma), motion artifact, and reliance on contrast timing in the fistula.[29] A retrospective study conducted by Biswas et al observed four-dimensional (4D) CTA to be precise in delineating AVMs and dural AVFs, providing findings that were relevant to the results of digital subtraction angiography.[30] A study carried out by In 't veld et al draws a comparison between the diagnostic precision of 4D-CTA and that of DSA. It was found that 4D CTA had much higher sensitivity and specificity and it was less invasive than DSA.[31]

Selective angiography is the gold standard and has shown better accuracy over CTA. It is the most invasive evaluation of an AVF but provides the exact point of arteriovenous communication surrounding vascular anatomy, flow dynamics, and mechanism for treatment.[32] Cost, procedural delay, additional arterial or venous access, and the need for a specially trained team are disadvantages of angiography. See image. Arteriovenous Fistula.

Patients presenting in need of vascular access for ESRD need to be evaluated for optimal placement of an AVF. Given the preference of the upper extremity, non-dominant over dominant, forearm over the upper arm, all patients should be evaluated with a duplex ultrasound scan, including patients presenting for evaluation of an existing AVF. Criteria have been developed for optimal results and primary patency rates. Clinical exam, in addition to vein mapping, has been shown to decrease primary failure rates and decrease negative surgical exploration in first attempts to create AVFs.[33]

Blood gas analysis in an AVF shows a higher oxygen content in the venous side of the blood distal to the fistula as opposed to normal venous blood. A flow-directed balloon catheter (Swan-Ganz catheter) can assess hemodynamics and reveal increased cardiac output and decreased peripheral vascular resistance. Extremely large AVFs may present with thrombocytopenia due to constant turbulence and trapping of platelets.

Treatment / Management

Most cases of arteriovenous fistulas in the past were treated conservatively in wartime and, later on, were surgically managed if needed.[22] Early intervention, however, may deter complications of AVFs that can be avoided, and post-traumatic fistulas should be closed as close to diagnosis as possible.[26] The goal of AVF treatment is to isolate and close the fistula while attempting to maintain essential blood flow. Repair may be completed by direct primary repair, reconstruction (autogenous or prosthetic graft, or bypass), or endovascular.[14] 

Indications for Treatment

• Hemodynamic instability, availability of a surgical team, injury to adjacent tissue, and unsuccessful endovascular repair are all indications for open surgical intervention on a fistula. 
• In traumatic fistulas, failure of spontaneous regression within two weeks indicates repair.
• Congenital fistulas are typically repaired when they present due to sequelae in later life, as many may remain asymptomatic until adulthood.
• Hemodialysis fistulas that are no longer functioning, no longer needed, have endured multiple attempts at salvage, or fail to mature should be considered for ligation.
• Other important indications of surgical repair of AVFs are hemorrhage, pain with ischemia, congestive cardiac failure, Limb-size inequality, nonhealing ulcers, and functional impairment.

Endovascular Management

• It is the preferred method of management for AVFs.
• The first endovascular repair was done in 1992 by Parodi of a traumatic subclavian AVF; a covered stent was used.[34]
• The advantages of endovascular repair include rapid recovery, less post-operative pain, and less disability compared with the open approach.
• Coils, stent-grafts, covered stents, cyanoacrylate glue, are among the options for closing the fistula.[35]
• Stent grafts are used to exclude the fistula while preserving the essential artery and vein; coils can be used when there is a low risk of complication to embolizing essential vessels. Endografts designed for larger vessels, such as the aorta or iliac vessels, can be used similarly. Stent graft patency rates at a one-year range between 88 and 100%.
• Complications involved with placement of covered stents include arterial dissection or rupture, migration of the device, or embolization. In a review of patients with traumatic AVFs, the most common reason for the failure of the endovascular intervention was the inability to advance the guidewire.
• The patient may also develop intimal hyperplasia at the placement site of the stent or subacute thrombosis, leading to occlusion and distal ischemia. If the patient does develop venous thrombosis, anticoagulation should be initiated and continued for six months.
• Embolization can be advantageous for complex AVFs with multiple feeding and draining vessels. Deep-seated or intra-organ and adjacent to critical anatomy, AVFs are much more amenable to endovascular management than open surgery.[36][37]
• Contraindications to endovascular management include contrast allergy.
• In the treatment of AVFs, many sclerosing agents, including injectible absolute ethanol, can be administered. They may carry a risk of necrosis of the surrounding tissue. So they should be used with caution.[38]

Open Surgery

• It is an option for repair when endovascular management fails.
• In addition to the need for surgical exposure of the fistula and increased risk of bleeding, high morbidity is associated with an open approach, including venous stasis, limb (or distal) ischemia, limb loss, venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.
• Repairs can be made via autogenous (usually saphenous vein) grafts, synthetic grafts, venous ligation (diameter dependent), bypass, or complex reconstruction involving one or more of the above. 
• Limitations for using the saphenous vein autologous graft include needing a vein of 3-8 mm, no lower extremity venous insufficiency, and no thrombophlebitis of the vein.[14]
• Conservative management is an option if no symptoms or complications exist or if the AVF is expected to be self-limited.

Differential Diagnosis

Differential diagnoses of AVF include other conditions that result in hyperdynamic circulation, such as tachycardia, increased cardiac output, and decreased peripheral resistance.

• Arteriovenous malformation: These are congenital lesions from the failure of fetal vascular differentiation. High flow or complex AVMs are more likely to have high resistance, similar to a capillary bed, and, therefore, are more likely to be asymptomatic.[39] AVMs can be differentiated from AVFs with high resonance imaging (CTA or MRA). 
• Hemangioma: Hemangiomas, also known as vascular tumors, may have similar symptoms to AVFs. However, these tend to present with overt bleeding. Hemangiomas have been found to have mitotic activity and can rapidly involute.[39] Similar to AVMs, these can be ruled out with CTA or MRA.
• Pseudoaneurysm: These may present as a pulsatile mass associated with a vascular access procedure. Pseudoaneurysms, as well as true aneurysms, may have a thrill due to significant turbulence through the area. Doppler US can differentiate these from a fistula.
• Malignancy: Malignant masses can require significant blood flow and present as a previously unnoticed pulsatile mass if closer to a larger vessel. Doppler US and/or multiphasic imaging can help to differentiate these.
• Cyst/Abscess/Hematoma: These are typically identified as simple hypodense lesions on the duplex US and will not demonstrate flow.

Prognosis

While some congenital arteriovenous fistulas can be fatal, leading to failure to survive, the overall prognosis is good. Peripheral arteriovenous fistula does not typically incur systemic hemodynamic effects, and around 15% of all AVFs do.[40]

The Schobinger Classification is a clinical staging system that serves to predict the success of treatment. Stage 1 is of quiescence and is described as cutaneous blush and skin warmth at the site of the fistula. The second stage demonstrates darkened skin, a pulsatile lesion with a bruit on auscultation, or palpable thrill. This stage is called expansion. Stage 3, the destruction phase, is essentially steal syndrome and is characterized by skin changes, ulceration, and distal ischemia. Stage 4 is the decompensated phase, characterized by high output heart failure. While it has been shown that decompensated heart failure can be completely reversed after a high-flow AVF is closed, the prognosis is much better in patients who present earlier.[39]

Prompt recognition is crucial for favorable outcomes. Brinjikji et al observed spinal dural AVFs which are either easily missed on imaging or misdiagnosed. These cases were diagnosed at their institution.They stated that delays in establishing a diagnosis in these cases led to an increased incidence of additional irreversible disability that frequently could not be corrected surgically or otherwise.[41]

Complications

Chronic venous insufficiency/venous hypertension: Venous hypertension can present as swelling of the affected extremity, which can be progressive and limit mobility. Insufficiency is demonstrated in the development of stasis pigmentation of the skin, varicosities, and ulcerations. This complication is a direct result of arterial pressure against the thinner venous walls and failure of one-way valves in the veins.

High cardiac output failure: In a study of 120 patients who suffered from high-output heart failure, 23% were found to have an AV shunt, which includes congenital, traumatic, and HD fistulas. In all patients with high-output cardiac failure, their increased stroke volume was secondary to decreased vascular resistance, which is a mechanism found in patients with AVFs, particularly when these become high-flow.[42]

Arterial insufficiency: Steal syndrome can occur in up to 6% of patients with an AVF or arteriovenous graft for hemodialysis. It is a result of a high-flow fistula causing distal ischemia.[39] These patients can present with severe pain associated with the use or during hemodialysis. They may also have swelling or signs of ischemia distal to the fistula, such as cool skin, discolored fingers or toes, diminished distal pulses, hair loss, or atrophy. A normal compensatory mechanism to the fistula is to increase overall flow to the affected extremity which will provide adequate blood flow to the higher resistance distal capillary beds; when this mechanism fails, steal syndrome results which draw blood through the lower resistance fistula instead of supplying distal tissue. Inflow stenosis of the arterial supply can be a cause of or worsen steal. In the evaluation for steal syndrome, compression of the fistula will increase inflow to the symptomatic distal extremity.[43]

Hemorrhage: Hemorrhage is a much rarer complication than those above. Due to the high flow through the venous system, dilatations can occur throughout the venous drainage system. These can become thin-walled and be at risk for rupture. This can be especially problematic with hemodialysis fistulas which are repetitively accessed through the venous side causing ulcerations to the vein and overlying skin. High flow through the fistula and outflow stenosis can make obtaining hemostasis challenging after dialysis.[44]

Consultations

The consultation need for the management of the arteriovenous fistula depends on the location and nature of the fistula. Specialties required to be involved can include:

• Vascular surgery 
• Interventional radiology 
• Interventional cardiology
• Neurosurgery
• Interventional neurology

Deterrence and Patient Education

While AVFs may be unavoidable for patients with end-stage renal disease, the best way to prevent the development of an AVF is to avoid unnecessary trauma or procedures that may lead to their development. Congenital AVF etiology is poorly understood, and thus, there is little to do in terms of prevention.

Patients who are diagnosed with an AVF or who think they may have an AVF should see their primary care provider first. After a thorough work-up, these patients may be referred to see one of the specialists mentioned above for management and potential repair of the fistula. Important things to write down before any appointment include any symptoms experienced, any changes in the extremity or area of concern, and any significant history, such as trauma or procedures in the same area. A fistula can arise from prior injury at any point in your lifetime.

Expectations from your provider can include further labs and imaging, including an ultrasound, a CT, or MRI. Your provider will look at, listen to, and feel the area to start the evaluation. In addition to your questions and the provision of symptoms, your provider will likely ask you further questions to help with the diagnosis of this problem.

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Patients presenting with signs and symptoms of arteriovenous fistulas require an interprofessional approach to the workup. As with any condition, this starts with a thorough history and physical exam. Involving the appropriate surgical team early in the process can help direct the evaluation such that imaging obtained can be used in surgical planning. Early warnings to trauma patients with injuries to the extremities, particularly involving an arterial or venous injury, should help to prevent late presentations of high-flow AVFs. Surgeons, interventionalist, and intensivists should be aware of arteriovenous fistulas as a potential complication of bedside procedures for venous access and biopsies.