Arteriovenous Malformation (AVMs) FAQs
In an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), usually early in life, arteries connect directly to veins. This is a high-pressure shunt or fistula. Veins are not able to handle the pressure of the blood coming directly from the arteries. The veins stretch and enlarge and create what we call a “nidus”. Usually there are multiple feeding vessels in an AVM and many draining veins.