Common Medical Terms Used in the Vascular Surgery Clinic
Aneurysm: Abnormal enlargement of an artery. Thoracoabdominal aneurysms are quite extensive and involve the large artery (aorta) in the chest and abdomen. Aneurysms can also involve the abdominal or leg vessels alone.
Carotid artery disease: Plaques or blockages in the carotid artery in the neck, which can cause strokes.
Claudication: Pain or cramps in the leg muscles (buttocks, thighs, or calves) caused by walking and relieved by resting.
Mesenteric ischemia: Stomach pains after eating due to poor blood supply to the intestines.
Renal artery disease: Disorders of the blood supply to the kidneys which can lead to high blood pressure and kidney failure.
Rest pain: Constant pain in the feet caused by severe arterial blockages; sometimes made better by hanging the feet down.
Varicose veins: Swollen, painful leg veins, usually made worse by prolonged standing.