Iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula after multiple arterial punctures

Abstract

Multiple arterial punctures in the neonate can result in iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula formation. In one case, a 3-month-old infant who had been born prematurely was noted to have physical findings consistent with arteriovenous malformation following approximately 90 arterial blood gas determinations over a 13-week period. The area was explored and the lesion was treated surgically with good results.