A

• Angiography: An imaging technique used to visualize the inside, or lumen, of blood vessels and organs of the body, with particular interest in the arteries, veins, and the heart chambers.
• Angioplasty: A procedure to restore blood flow through the artery.
• Arteries: Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body’s tissues.
• Atherectomy: A procedure to remove plaque buildup from arteries.
• Atherosclerosis: A disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries.
• AV Fistula: An arteriovenous fistula is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein.

C

• Capillaries: Small blood vessels that connect arteries to veins.
• Catheter: A thin tube inserted into a body cavity, duct, or vessel to allow the passage of fluids.
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): A condition where the veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart.
• Compression Stockings: Elastic garments worn around the leg to compress the veins, improving blood flow.

D

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg.
• Doppler Ultrasound: A noninvasive test that uses sound waves to measure blood flow.

E

• Endovascular: Inside a blood vessel or the heart.
• Endovenous Laser Ablation: A minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to cauterize and close varicose veins.

L

• Lymphedema: Swelling that generally occurs in one of your arms or legs.
• Lymphatic System: A network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials.

P

• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): A circulatory condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs.
• Phlebectomy: A procedure to remove varicose veins.
• Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs.

S

• Spider Veins: Small, damaged veins that can appear on the surface of the legs or face.
• Sclerotherapy: A procedure used to treat blood vessels or blood vessel malformations.

V

• Varicose Veins: Enlarged, twisted veins that are visible under the skin.
• Veins: Blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart.
• Vena Cava: The body’s largest vein, which carries deoxygenated blood to the heart from the body.

W

• Warfarin: A medication used to treat blood clots and to lower the chance of blood clots forming in your body.