Creation of an Arteriovenous Fistula Is Associated with Significant Acute Local and Systemic Changes in Microvascular Function

Abstract

Formation of an AVF was associated with local and remote changes in microcirculation. Further assessments are underway to examine the contributions of local shear stress, vasoreactive substances and the autonomic responses. Although the clinical significance of these findings is not yet clear, it is intriguing that AVF formation is associated with such widespread and profound changes in microperfusion.