GLOSSARY

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Ballooning of the aorta, the major blood vessel in the body, in the belly. Rupture, or bursting, of the aneurysm is a life-threatening condition.  READ MORE 

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

A sudden narrowing of the arteries that feed the heart, which causes chest pain. The most serious outcome of ACS is a heart attack.  READ MORE

Angiogram

A minimally invasive procedure performed using wires, catheters and x-ray to diagnose and treat problems in blood vessels. READ MORE

Angioplasty

Using a balloon during a minimally invasive procedure to open narrowings and blockages in blood vessels. READ MORE

Aortic aneurysm

A ballooning of the aorta, the major blood vessel in the body. Rupture, or bursting, of the aneurysm is a life-threatening condition.  READ MORE

Atherosclerosis

Hardening of the arteries throughout the body and leads to narrowing and blockages of the arteries. Its major risk factors are smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.  READ MORE

Cardiac catheterization

A minimally invasive procedure performed using wires, catheters and xray (angiogram) to diagnose and treat problems in the blood vessels of the heart.  READ MORE

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Hardening of the arteries throughout the body, including the heart, and leads to narrowing and blockages.

Cockett Syndrome

Cockett Syndrome is more commonly known as May-Thurner Syndrome.

Compression Stockings

Pressurized socks or hose which support the venous system to relieve leg swelling and/or discomfort.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

The hardening (atherosclerosis) of the coronary arteries which feed the heart.

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

The hardening (atherosclerosis) of the arteries which feed the heart.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A serious condition which consists of a clot in the deep venous system. It’s most concerning complication is a pulmonary embolus (PE) which is a clot that travels to the lungs. READ MORE

Endovenous Ablation

Endovenous ablation, also referred to as endovenous thermal ablation, is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins.  READ MORE

IVC Filter

A metal structure that is placed within the inferior vena cava, the major vein in the body, during a minimally invasive procedure in order to prevent harmful clots from traveling to the lungs.    READ MORE

May-Thurner Syndrome

May-Thurner syndrome occurs when the main vein draining blood from the left leg, called the left common iliac vein, becomes narrowed by an overlying structure (such as the iliac artery) or scar tissue in the pelvis.   READ MORE

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Hardening of the arteries of the arms and legs which leads to narrowing and blockages of these arteries. Symptoms of PAD include pain and fatigue.   READ MORE

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for spider and varicose veins. It is the treatment of choice for most vein experts.  READ MORE

Stent

A supportive, cylindrical structure that is placed within a vessel during a minimally invasive procedure (angiogram) to help keep the vessel open.  READ MORE

Thoracic Surgery

The discipline which specializes in issues of the chest.

Vascular Disease

A broad term for issues involving arteries and/or veins.    READ MORE

Vascular Surgery

The discipline which specializes in issues involving arteries and veins. READ MORE