Are av fistulas permanent?

Don't have to be: It takes a surgical procedure to connect the end if a vein to the side of an artery (create an av fistula). Once created, it will take another surgical procedure to shut the fistula down if need be. Most often they are kept in place even if not used as a back-up system for dialysis access.

Usually: Arteriovenous fistulas are usually permanent. Even if they are no longer being used they are typically left in place. Exceptions may include removal of an infected graft; ligation of a fistula that is causing ischemia; and large aneurymal fistulas. If temporary dialysis is needed, a catheter can be used and removed when no longer needed.