Loss of an external part of the body, most commonly part of a limb. Can be a surgical procedure, sometimes occurs after illness/injury - "auto-amputation".
A dilation/abnormal enlargement of a vessel over 50% larger than the expected normal diameter.
A scan (CT, MR or x-ray) which shows arteries, usually with a dye in the circulation to highlight the artery. This is for diagnosis, planning, or treatment of arterial disease.
Angioplasty is a procedure used to treat the narrowing or blockage of an artery. This uses a balloon to stretch the artery (angioplasty) to improve blood flow which helps to relieve any symptoms you are experiencing.
Main artery leaving the heart in the chest, curving down through the abdomen, and ending with division into iliac arteries.
A blood vessel taking blood from the heart under higher pressure with a pulse. The blood is higher in oxygen in the peripheral arteries.
A bypass graft is placed operatively to take blood around a blockage, restoring flow beyond the blockage.
Artery in the neck with branches to the brain, eye, face, and scalp. Narrowing of this artery can lead to strokes or mini-strokes (TIA).
Cramping pain in the muscles that stops an individual from walking due to compromised arterial circulation.
A surgical procedure to remove plaque (narrowing) from an artery that is limiting blood flow.
Tissues damaged by lack of blood and/or infection which turn black.
A stent is a metallic open mesh tube that can be placed in a blood vessel. It is introduced in a compressed form and released in the vessel to hold it open. It is like a piece of internal scaffolding. When there is fabric around the metal structure of the stent so that it is impervious to blood flow, we call it a stent-graft. Alloys are used for stents. Most are not magnetic and do not cause allergic reactions.
A blood vessel returning blood to the heart under low pressure; many have valves in them to direct flow in one direction. The blood is lower in oxygen in peripheral veins.
If you need further information regarding a procedure, please see our patient information leaflets. Additionally, we have our exercise infographic to aid self-directed exercise for Intermittent Claudication.