Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The distinction lies in the anatomical and procedural characteristics of the two types of access used for hemodialysis. An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is created by surgically connecting an artery and a vein, usually in the forearm. This results in a direct connection that allows blood to flow from the artery into the vein, thereby enhancing the vein's size and blood flow to accommodate the needs of dialysis. The creation of the fistula involves natural vessel connections and is entirely situated within the arm.

In contrast, an arteriovenous shunt (AVS) typically involves the insertion of a synthetic device or graft that serves a similar purpose, but is not exclusively reliant on the body's natural vessels. This often means that an AVS can involve access that may not be confined entirely to the arm, as it could use larger veins or arteries that may not be near each other or could be positioned more superficially.

Recognizing this primary factor, the choice indicates that the AVF's design is limited to the arm area for its function, further establishing its characteristic of having a more direct and permanent connection compared to an AVS. The surgical process and outcomes also reflect that AVFs tend to have fewer complications over time once healed,