I77.0 Arteriovenous fistula, acquired

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Arteriovenous Fistula, Acquired
- Technical term: Acquired Arteriovenous Fistula

#### Summary
An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein, which can occur due to trauma, surgery, or vascular disease. Unlike congenital AVFs, acquired AVFs develop later in life.

#### Causes
- Penetrating injuries
- Surgical procedures, particularly ones involving blood vessels
- Vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and thrombosis
- Infections that affect vascular tissues

#### Risk Factors
- Recent surgeries involving vasculature
- History of trauma or physical injury
- Conditions requiring catheterization or dialysis access

#### Symptoms
- Swollen area near the site of the fistula
- Pulsatile mass and a palpable thrill or vibration over the site
- Bruit (abnormal sound) heard over the affected area
- Reduced blood flow to tissues beyond the fistula, leading to pain or fatigue

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination revealing characteristic signs such as bruit or thrill
- Ultrasound to visualize blood flow
- MRI or CT angiography for detailed imaging
- Doppler study to assess the blood flow dynamics

#### Treatment Options
- Surgical correction to disconnect the artery and vein
- Endovascular procedures, such as stenting and coiling
- In some cases, monitoring when asymptomatic and not causing complications

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- The outcome depends on the size, location, and cause of the AVF.
- Surgical treatment generally has a good prognosis when addressed timely.
- Regular monitoring is essential to detect any recurrence or complications early.

#### Complications
- Heart failure due to increased cardiac workload
- Aneurysm formation and hemorrhage
- Limb ischemia if blood diversion reduces arterial supply to extremities

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Protective measures to prevent trauma, especially in high-risk occupations
- Careful management of conditions requiring frequent intravenous access
- Healthy lifestyle to minimize vascular complications

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Sudden swelling, warmth, or a pulsatile mass near a recent surgical site or injury
- Symptoms of heart failure like shortness of breath or fatigue
- Changes in limb color or temperature indicative of reduced blood flow

#### Additional Resources
- American Heart Association: [heart.org](https://www.heart.org)
- Vascular Disease Foundation: [vascularcures.org](http://vascularcures.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure distinction between congenital and acquired forms of AVF.
- Verify the precise location of the fistula for accurate coding if specified.
- Avoid common errors like misclassifying AVFs as similar vascular anomalies.

Medical Policies and Guidelines for Arteriovenous fistula, acquired

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