Dialysis

I always get confused with the differences between a graft and a fistula. Working on the renal floor with most of them being dialysis patients I am always working with the two. Now that I have seen the pictures it will be pretty simple to remember.

AV Graft
An AV graft (sometimes called a bridge graft) is an indirect connection between the artery and vein, most commonly a plastic tube is used, but donated cadaver arteries or veins can also be used.

AV Fistula
An AV fistula is a direct connection between the patient’s artery and one of their nearby veins. This is the aboslute BEST access a patient can have because it is all their own tissue. The fistula resists clotting and infection.