AV fistula for hemodialysis

This drawing shows an AV fistula in a person's arm. An AV fistula is under the skin. A doctor makes an AV fistula by doing surgery to connect an artery directly to a vein. It is usually done in the lower arm, but can be done in the upper arm. During hemodialysis, 2 needles are put into the access to remove and return blood to the body.