Vascular Medicine Glossary

Ankle-brachial index; diagnostic ratio comparing blood pressure in the ankle to arm pressure to assess peripheral arteri...

Rare condition where mucin-filled cysts develop in arterial walls, causing external compression and stenosis.

Abnormal localized dilation of a blood vessel wall, typically an artery, that poses risk of rupture.

Minimally invasive procedure using balloon inflation to widen narrowed blood vessels and restore blood flow.

A diagnostic test comparing blood pressure in the ankle to blood pressure in the arm to assess peripheral circulation.

Medical therapy using medications to prevent blood clot formation and reduce thrombotic risk.

Calcium phosphate deposits within arterial walls that affect vessel compliance and imaging interpretation.

The ability of arteries to expand and contract in response to pressure changes during the cardiac cycle.

An X-ray image of arteries obtained using contrast material to visualize blood vessel anatomy and pathology.

Hardening and thickening of arterial walls, distinct from atherosclerosis which involves plaque formation.

An abnormal connection between an artery and vein, either congenital, traumatic, or surgically created for dialysis acce...

Abnormal direct connection between arteries and veins, bypassing normal capillary bed.

Surgical procedure to remove atherosclerotic plaque from blood vessels using specialized cutting devices.

A disease process where fatty deposits (plaques) build up inside artery walls, narrowing blood vessels.

A procedure using an inflatable balloon catheter to compress atherosclerotic plaque and widen narrowed arteries.

Acute digital ischemia caused by cholesterol or platelet emboli, typically from proximal arterial sources.

An abnormal whooshing or swishing sound heard over a blood vessel, indicating turbulent blood flow.

Inflammatory arteriopathy affecting small and medium arteries, strongly associated with tobacco use.

A surgical procedure creating an alternate route around a blocked blood vessel using natural or artificial conduits.

Surgical procedure to remove atherosclerotic plaque from the carotid artery to prevent stroke.

Standardized system for describing chronic venous disorders based on clinical, etiologic, anatomic, and pathophysiologic...

Pain or cramping in the legs during exercise due to inadequate blood flow, typically caused by peripheral arterial disea...

Blood clotting disorder affecting hemostasis, either increasing bleeding risk or thrombotic tendency.

Alternative blood flow pathways that develop to bypass blocked or narrowed vessels.