arteriovenous /ar·te·rio·ve·nous/ (-ve´nus) both arterial and venous; pertaining to or affecting an artery and a vein.
arteriovenous (AV)
ar·te·ri·o·ve·nous (är-t r î- -v n s)adj. Abbr. AV Of, relating to, or connecting arteries and veins. |
arteriovenous (AV)
[-vē′nəs]
Etymology: Gk, arteria + L, vena, vein
pertaining to arteries and veins.
arteriovenous
both arterial and venous; pertaining to both artery and vein.
arteriovenous anastomosis
a direct connection between an artery and a vein that acts as a shunt to bypass the capillary bed. These occur in areas where a high volume blood supply is needed only intermittently, e.g. the intestine.
arteriovenous fistula
an abnormal communication between an artery and a vein; includes cardiac defects such as ventricular septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus. Peripheral fistulae, especially in the extremities, may be localized, usually acquired and the result of trauma, while congenital defects tend to be more diffuse, involving a network of anastomosing vessels.
The effects of arteriovenous fistulae are variable, depending on their location and the amount of blood carried. Within the liver they usually connect the hepatic artery and portal vein, causing portal hypertension and ascites. Small peripheral fistulae may be noticeable only as warm, reducible swellings, often with an audible thrill, or give rise to edema distal to the site. More severe effects are also possible.
pulmonary arteriovenous fistula
a congenital anomalous communication between the pulmonary arterial and venous systems, allowing unoxygenated blood to enter the systemic circulation.
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