THE BLOOD VOLUME IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIOVENOUS FISTULAS 1

Abstract

Observations on blood volume using the dye T-1824 were made before and after operative removal of an arteriovenous fistula. In 56% of the patients there were changes in blood vol. of less than 200 cc./sq. m. of body surface. This was not considered a significant variation. In 44% of the patients the decrease in blood vol. after operation was 200-1060 cc./sq. m. of body surface, indicating an abnormally large blood vol. in the presence of the fistula. The relationship of the change in blood vol. to the size and duration of the fistula, the cardiac output and the changes in heart size were studied. In general, the patients with an elevated blood vol. were those with clinical evidence of a functionally large fistula.