The local and systemic effects of arterio-venous fistula on the circulation in man

Abstract

1. 1. Two cases of traumatic arterio-venous fistula were studied before and after surgical operation. Both patients showed the characteristic local signs of the condition, and the first patient presented the classical phenomena of the effect on the general circulation. 2. 2. In the first patient estimations of the cardiac output were performed, and although the applicability of the method is somewhat limited in this condition, the measurements showed no marked change upon compression of the aneurism and a slight tendency for a decrease following operation. The velocity of blood flow in this subject showed no change at any time. The blood volume was normal. 3. 3. Evidence was presented of an arteriolar dilatation in the surrounding region of the arterio-venous aneurism in the second patient. 4. 4. It was suggested that in certain cases of arterio-venous aneurism of marked extent, the arteriolar dilatation may be generalized. Like-wise, in aortic insufficiency such an arteriolar dilatation may exist. This would explain the capillary pulsation and to a certain extent other of the peripheral circulatory phenomena which are observed both in arterio-venous fistula and aortic regurgitation.