An arteriovenous fistula refers to an abnormal link between an artery and a vein. Generally, the blood flows right from the artery to the capillaries, but this connection alters the system. In which the blood flow from the artery goes directly to a vein. Results in dearth of oxygenated blood in the nearby brain tissues. AVF is a rare health concern, is present at birth. Consult Dr. Manish Madhav, if you’re looking for receiving fistula treatment for children in Siliguri.
Overview of Arteriovenous Fistula
As we have mentioned earlier, children suffering from arteriovenous fistula have an unusual connection between their artery and vein. In which the blood rather than reaching capillaries from the arteries, travels to the veins. It significantly causes a shortage of oxygen and nutrition in the tissues of the brain and the body. So it's clear that the cells right below the bypassed capillaries of the child get an inadequate amount of blood. Mostly AVF, affects the brain, or else it can trigger any part of their body.
Symptoms of AVF
In many cases, you won’t see prominent signs of AVF in your child. It can affect arms, legs, kidneys, or his/her brain as well. But children with severe/larger arteriovenous fistula may show the following symptoms-
- Swelling in her/his legs or arms
- Visible bulging veins
- Reduced blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Persistent fatigue
- Blood in cough
Causes of AVF
Certain causes of AVF in your child can be-
- Congenital
- Genetic
Diagnosis & Treatment for Arteriovenous Fistula-
The procedure of diagnosis beings with a physical exam by listening to (using a stethoscope) her/his blood flow in arms and legs. It provides a humming sound. Several tests will be performed to identify an AVF, that include-
- Duplex ultrasound- diagnosing the problem with Duplex ultrasound is found most common procedure among others. At the same time, the effectiveness of the duplex ultrasound in tracking AVF, is unparalleled. it helps the doctor examine the speed of the blood flow in your child’s body.
- Magnetic resonance angiography- to identify if the AVF is under his/her skin, doctors use MRA that helps them create images of your baby's soft tissue and blood vessels.
Treatments
The common treatment options for AVF are-
- Embolization
- Surgery
- Medication
Consult a pediatric surgeon if your baby is undergoing any of the symptoms we have listed above.
Get in touch with Dr. Manish Madhav, the best child specialist doctor and pediatric surgeon in Siliguri.
