Hemodynamic effects of arteriovenous fistula and bovine graft fistula used for hemodialysis.

This study shows that arteriovenous fistulas created for vascular access to hemodialysis result in an increase in cardiac output and pulse rate, and a decrease in the total peripheral resistance. These changes are severe with bovine graft fistula; physicians should be aware of this potentially dangerous hemodynamic change in these patients.