Who invented the first internal AV fistula?

The invention of the first internal arteriovenous (AV) fistula is attributed to Dr. Cimino and his colleagues. This groundbreaking development was significant in the history of dialysis treatment as it provided a more reliable and durable access point for hemodialysis patients.

The internal AV fistula was designed to create a permanent connection between an artery and a vein, allowing for increased blood flow, which is essential for efficient dialysis. This innovation greatly improved patient outcomes by reducing complications associated with previous methods of vascular access, such as external catheters and grafts, that were more prone to infection and thinning.

In this context, while figures like Dr. Scribner and Willelm Kolff were instrumental in the development of dialysis technology and machines, it is Dr. Cimino's work that is specifically credited with the advancement of the internal AV fistula, making it a foundational aspect of current hemodialysis practices.