An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an abnormal connection or passageway between an artery and a vein. It may be congenital, surgically created for hemodialysis treatment, or acquired due to a pathologic process, such as trauma or erosion of an arterial aneurysm. These communications can occur at any point in the vascular system; varying in size, length, location, and number.
What is an arteriovenous fistula?
<s>[INST] Answer the question truthfully, you are a medical professional. This is the question: What is an arteriovenous fistula? [/INST] \n An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an abnormal connection or passageway between an artery and a vein. It may be congenital, surgically created for hemodialysis treatment, or acquired due to a pathologic process, such as trauma or erosion of an arterial aneurysm. These communications can occur at any point in the vascular system; varying in size, length, location, and number.</s>