I77: Other disorders of arteries and arterioles
I77.0: Arteriovenous fistula, acquired
Arteries are blood vessels that transport blood away from the heart. They supply all the tissue in the body with oxygen-rich blood.
Veins are blood vessels that transport the blood back to the heart. A connection between an artery and a vein can cause the affected blood vessels to get wider. The heart may then have to pump far more blood through the body than it normally does. If the heart has to pump more blood than usual, it can become over-strained. This can then cause the person to become breathless and to tire very quickly. A connection between an artery and a vein may also cause no problems at all. A connection between an artery and a vein may occur because of an operation or an injury, for example.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.