What anatomical structure is involved in the placement of an AV fistula?

The placement of an arteriovenous (AV) fistula involves the direct connection of an artery to a vein. This surgical procedure typically aims to create a durable access point for hemodialysis in patients with kidney failure. The fistula allows for increased blood flow from the artery into the vein, leading to the vein becoming larger and more robust, which is essential for repeated needle access in dialysis.

In this context, arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart, while veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. The anatomical relationship between these two structures is critical in forming a functional fistula. The success of this connection relies on the proper selection of arterial and venous sites to ensure good blood flow and minimize complications.

The other structures mentioned in the options—veins and capillaries, muscle and bone, and nerve and artery—are not involved in the creation of an AV fistula. For instance, capillaries are the smallest blood vessels that facilitate exchange between blood and tissues, but they do not play a role in this particular surgical process. Similarly, muscle and bone do not serve a direct role in the formation of a fistula, and while arteries interact with nerves, they do not