Can anyone have an AV fistula?
Unfortunately not every patient is suitable for an AV fistula. Numerous needle sticks for IV fluids, blood work and/or medicines can damage veins over time, creating scar tissue, which can make creation of an AV fistula impossible. If the veins are damaged or too small, the AV fistula will not mature, or worse yet, clot. In this situation, the dialysis access team recommends other options that may include another fistula at a different site, catheter placement or an arteriovenous graft.