Experimental model for internal repair of arteriovenous fistulas.

An artificial arteriovenous fistula was created by performing an end-to-side anastomosis between the anterior facial vein and carotid artery of the rat. An intraarterial venous graft was then used to seal the fistula. In 8 of 10 rats, carotid artery flow was found to be maintained as judged by angiography, carried out 14 days after the operation. The fistula remained closed in each case. The vessels were also examined with a scanning electron microscope.