The main artery in the body from which all
of the other arteries arise. It begins at the heart and extends down
through the chest and abdomen and finally branches in the lower abdomen
into the arteries that go to the legs.
A balloon-like dilation of a portion of an
artery that is a weak point along the course of the vessel which may
lead to rupture or clotting.
: A procedure in which a
contrast agent is injected into an artery or vein. This allows physicians
to visualize abnormalities of the blood vessels such as blockages.
Treating the blood to prevent the
development of blood clots.
The blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood
from the heart to all parts of the body.
Sometimes referred to as "hardening
of the arteries". This condition represents an accumulation of fats
and cholesterol in the inner lining of an artery that can build up to
such a degree that the artery becomes narrowed or completely blocked.
A technique in which a thin catheter,
that has an inflatable balloon on its tip, is inserted into an artery.
Under x-ray control, the catheter is guided into the narrowed portion
of an artery where atherosclerotic plaque has accumulated. The balloon
is inflated and the plaque is opened to restore the inner diameter of
the artery.
An operation in which blood is re-routed around
a blocked portion of an artery using a graft.
An artery in the neck that carries
blood to the brain.
Leg pain which is caused by inadequate
blood flow to the exercising leg muscles.
Stockings worn to decrease leg
swelling and relieve pain associated with conditions such as chronic
venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
: A pill form of anticoagulant
(blood thinner).
An x-ray technique allowing visualization
of the internal organs.
A condition associated with abnormal
glucose metabolism and complications such as arterial insufficiency,
kidney failure and visual loss.
A scan using ultrasound waves that allow
visualization of blood vessels and organs.
Correction of conditions affecting
arteries and veins by approaching the lesion from within the blood vessel
using catheters, balloons and stents rather than by making an incision
into the blood vessel. A less invasive form of surgery.
A fabric covered metallic stent that is
placed inside an aneurysm to prevent rupture. It is not sutured into
the artery but rather relies on the metallic stent to keep the prosthetic
artery in place within the aneurysm.
The blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich
blood from the heart and lungs into the leg.
The blood vessel that carries blood out
of the leg and back to the heart and lungs.
A surgical bypass
created in the leg to carry blood around a blockage in the leg arteries.
Death of tissue due to lack of adequate circulation.
An injectable form of anticoagulant (blood
thinner).
-Intersocietal Commission for Accreditation of
Vascular Labs: An agency that evaluates and grants accreditation to
vascular laboratories.
.
Pain in the abdomen that occurs
after eating. It is caused by inadequate circulation to the small intestine.
Inadequate arterial blood flow to a portion
of the body. For example: leg ischemia, brain ischemia, cardiac ischemia.
Swelling of an extremity (arm or leg) due
to blockage of the normal flow of lymph from an extremity.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography. A technique used
to visualize blood vessels in a non-invasive manner.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An imaging technique
using magnetic technology to visualize internal organs.
Complete blockage.
A deposit of fats and cholesterol within the
lining of an artery. Usually referred to as atherosclerotic plaque.
An artificial artery that can be
manufactured using synthetic fabric-like material.
An opening in an artery which may lead
to rupture. It is caused by an injury to the blood vessel.
A blood clot in the artery to
the lung. The clot frequently develops in the lower extremity at the
site of thrombophlebitis and moves ("embolizes") to the lung.
A
vascular technologist who has successfully completed a rigorous examination
in the specialty of vascular diagnostic testing.
A technique of injecting a solution
into varicose veins or spider veins which causes the vein to close and
shrink.
Narrowing.
A cylindrical metallic device that is placed
into an artery after plaque has been opened using a balloon angioplasty
catheter. The stent is designed to prevent the plaque from recoiling
and blocking the artery again.
Death of a portion of brain tissue due to inadequate
blood flow.
A technique in which drugs are used
to dissolve blood clots.
A condition in which a blood clot
forms in the veins.
A temporary weakness
or numbness of a portion of the body (for example, an arm or leg) usually
lasting just a few minutes which is due to a temporary interruption
of the arterial blood flow to the brain.
A "sore" on the skin due to a circulation problem.
Most commonly seen on the leg.
A noninvasive, inexpensive technique used
to evaluate internal organs and blood vessels using sound waves.
Dilated, tortuous veins of the lower
extremities that are caused by incompetence of the valves within the
vein.
The blood vessels that bring blood back to the
heart from all parts of the body.
A cone-shaped metallic device which
is placed within the inferior vena cava (in the abdominal cavity). It
is designed to prevent any blood clots in the leg veins from traveling
to the heart and lungs.
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