Arteriovenous fistula - formation, treatment
Arteriovenous shunt (fistula) is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein. Normally, there is a capillary system between these vessels, which takes a direct part in the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide and in the process of penetration of nutrients through the bloodstream and into the tissues.
How arteriovenous fistula formation occurs, consequences
The causes of a pathological connection between an artery and a vein are a violation in the intrauterine development of the fetus or an injury. The formation of an arteriovenous fistula poses a significant danger to the body:
- below the existing shunt, the blood flow becomes less full;
- blood pressure decreases, and if the fistula formed suddenly, hypotension is accompanied by loss of consciousness;
- both the artery and the vein expand.
Symptoms with an existing fistula
If the arteriovenous shunt was not formed as a result of an injury or it was not critical, then the symptoms will develop gradually. Common signs include:
- periodically occurring tachycardia not only during physical activity, but also at rest;
- constant feeling of lack of air;
- a burning sensation in the sternum, which passes into the right hand and into the neck.
When an arteriovenous fistula is formed in the kidneys, the patient is disturbed by pain in the anatomical location of the organ, frequent urination, spasms in the bladder.
In any case, an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist after a thorough examination of the patient and clarification of the localization of the pathology.
If there is an arteriovenous fistula of the brain, the patient's condition will be severe - loss of consciousness, loss of coordination, memory impairment, lack of ability to think logically. The condition is very dangerous, as there is a risk of intracranial bleeding and death of brain cells.
Treatment of arteriovenous fistulas
Operation for arteriovenous fistula is the most effective method of getting rid of the problem. It is often used by doctors, since conservative therapy can only temporarily solve the problem. Considering that the patient comes late for the disease, surgical intervention is prescribed "by default". Specialists manage to improve the patient's quality of life and stop the process of fistula enlargement.
During the operation, the shunt is removed and the integrity of the artery and vein is restored. Treatment of arteriovenous fistulas is carried out in a planned manner, but if the arteriovenous shunt is acquired or obtained in the course of a severe injury, then the patient is indicated for urgent surgery.
If the fistula was diagnosed at an early stage of its formation, doctors adhere to wait-and-see tactics. The patient is under the constant supervision of specialists and is prescribed symptomatic therapy - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, means to improve vascular tone and prevent seizures.
Possible complications
If arteriovenous shunt treatment is not carried out, severe complications may develop:
- thrombosis, thromboembolism;
- insufficient oxygen supply of brain tissues;
- heart failure;
- varicose veins;
- aneurysms;
- intracranial bleeding.
Fistula can rupture at any time and in most such cases the result is fatal.
On our website Dobrobut.com, you can make an appointment with a cardiologist and find out from him the risk of arteriovenous shunt formation, verify its presence or absence.
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