A microsurgical model for studying AVM pathophysiology with minimal impact on systemic circulation was created on female Sprague Dawley rats by interconnecting the saphenous vein and artery via end-to-end anastomosis. The animals were followed-up for 12 weeks. On the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 12th postoperative weeks ultrasound device was used to monitor the anastomosis patency, structural and/or hemodynamic changes of the heart. At the end of the follow-up period, anesthesia was given to the animals, hemodynamic tests were performed, and biopsies were taken (heart, intact and operated saphenous vessels). During a 12-week follow-up, the shunts did not occlude and no significant changes occured in the heart whereas histology of the anastomosis showed maturation with significant tunica intima and tunica media thickening. The saphenous AVM model appears feasible for long-term AVM studies.