Abdominal Aorta: The part of the largest artery in the body (i.e., the aorta) that resides in the
abdomen area.
Aneurysm: An artery that buldges or protrudes from an arterial wall due to weakening of the wall.
Angiogram: A medical procedure wherein a dye is injected into an artery and xrays are taken. The
xrays will identify any blockage in the arteries.
Angiogenesis: The growth of new blood vessels (natural or drug-induced) to help reduce coronary
artery disease. New blood vessels will reroute blood flow around clogged arteries.
Angioplasty: A medical procedure wherein an instrument (i.e., a catheter with a balloon tip) is
inserted into a coronary artery that has been blocked by plaque. The balloon is then inflated to
decrease the plaque and stretch the artery. This is also known as: Percutaneous Translumnial
Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA).
Anticoagulant: A medicine that keeps blood from clotting by thinning the blood.
Aorta: The largest blood vessel (i.e., artery) in the body that carries blood from the heart to the rest of
the body.
Aortic Aneurysm: The aorta buldges or protrudes due to the weakening of the blood vessel wall.
Arteriography: A procedure wherein a dye (radiopaque contrast material) is injected into an artery
and xray equipment is then used to identify blockages and other abnormalities of the arteries.
Arteritis: Inflammation of the arteries.
Atherosclerosis: A disease that is commonly referred to as "hardening of the arteries." This
hardening of the arteries may be caused by deposits of fatty substances, calcium, cholesterol,
cellular waste, blood clotting or platelets in the inner lining of the artery wall. These deposits may
buildup and result in plaque which causes the artery walls to get thick and lose their elasticity.
Arteries: blood vessels which carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.
Atherectomy (Directional Coronary Atherectomy or DCA): A medical procedure to clean out clogged
arteries. A catheter, which has a cutting cylinder on the tip, is threaded through the artery. The cutting
cylinder shaves off the unwanted placque build up. The catherter collects the unwanted material and
it is removed from the body. This process can be repeated and allows the blood to flow better.
Balloon Angioplasty or Balloon Catheter (Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty or
PTCA): A medical procedure to open up clooged arteries. A long tube-like device which has a small
balloon on the tip is threaded through the artery. Once the balloon tip reaches the affected area, the
balloon is inflated. This compresses the placque into the artery wall and stretches it to allow the
blood to flow more freely.
Blood Clot: Blood that thickens and coagulates forming a mass. During an injury, clots help stop the
flow of blood. A clot forming in a vessel (artery) or heart chamber but does not move is known as
thrombus. Blot clots that move and disrupt the flow of blood are referred to as embolus or an
embolism.
Blood Pressure: As blood circulates throughout the body it exerts force in the arteries. This force is
called blood pressure. There are two forces that are measured. One, the force of blood as the heat
contracts (this is called systolic) and the force when the heart fills with blood (this is called diastolic).
Bypass: An artery, which supplies blood to the heart or other organ, may become severly clogged or
diseased. A surgical procedure can take a healthy artery or vein (from another area) and regraft it
around the diseased section. This will improve the blood flow to the heart or other organ.
Calcium-Channel Blocker: A drug which alleviates blood vessel spasms, lowers blood pressure,
and controls angina. The drug acts by blocking cell calcium asorption.
Capillaries: Small oxygen-rich blood vessels that connect arteries to veins. These blood vessels
also carry other nutrients to cells throughout the body
Carotid Artery Disease: There are two carotid arteries in the neck that supply blood to the neck, face
and brain. Disease results when placque builds up in the walls of these arteries causing a
“hardening of the arteries” (refer to atherosclerosis).
Catheter: A slender, hollow flexible tube which may have a balloon or cutting cylinder on the tip.
Cerebral Thrombosis: A blood clot that forms in an artery to the brain.
Cerebrovascular: The blood vessels and arteries that supply blood to the brain.
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA): This is commonly referred to as a stroke. A CVA occurs when
brain cells are damaged from a lack of oxygen. This can happen when the flow of blood to the brain
is blocked or an artery to the brain ruptures.
Cholesterol: An fatty substance that develops naturally in the body or is found in animal fats, dairy
and other foods. Cholesterol is travels through the blood and can be deposited in the arteries (such
as in coronary artery disease).
Circulatory System: The system involving blood vessels for the purpose of supplying oxygenated
blood and nutrients to vital organs (e.g., lungs, heart).
Claudication: A cramping pain in the usually in the legs caused by poor blood circulation (a lack of
oxygen to the muscles). This may create a temporary limp.
Collateral Circulation: Blood flow through small blood vessels that are usually closed but open in
response to blockage of a primary blood vessel.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The coronary arteries become blocked by plaque. The coronary
arteries are the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscles.
Cyanosis: Refers to the blue color of skin which is caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood
vessels near the skin.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in a deep vein (predominantly in the legs or pelvis and
occasionally in the arms).
Diabetes (Type 1): Bodies that produce little to no insulin may develop this type of diabetes. The cells
throughout the body need insulin (i.e., glucose) for energy. The affect is that "blood" glucose then
rises. This can also damage the pancreas. Insulin injections are needed to control blood glucose.
www.MedicineNet.com
Diabetes (Type 2): Although the body may (or may not) produce insulin, it does not know how to use ir
properly. The diagnosis for Type 2 diabetes is higher than Type 2. www.MedicineNet.com
Dissecting Aneurysm: A condition in which the layers of an artery are torn, causing blood to flow
between the layers. Dissecting aneurysms usually happen in the thoracic aorta, which is the large
vessel that carries blood from the heart to other parts of the body. This is an extremely serious, often
fatal, condition.
Doppler Ultrasound: A technical device that uses sound waves to assess the flow of blood through
blood vessels.
Edema: Swelling caused by fluid accumulation in cells or tissues.
Embolism: Refer to embolus.
Embolus: A blood clot that forms in one part of the body and travels to another part blocking the flow
of blood (also known as an embolism).
Endarterectomy: Surgical removal of plaque deposits on the inner lining of an artery. Build-up of
plaque on the inner lining may be caused by atherosclerosis.
Ischemia: A decrease in blood flow to tissue or an organ due to blood vessel constriction or
obstruction.
Ischemic Stroke: A type of stroke that is caused by blockage in a blood vessel (thrombosis or
embolism).
Inferior Vena Cava (IVC): The largest vein in the body that returns blood from the legs and abdomen
to the heart.
Jugular Veins (Internal and External): The veins that carry blood to the heart from the head.
Lumen: The hollow area within a blood vessel.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A radiology technique that uses magnetism, radio waves, and
a computer to produce images of body structures. www.MedicineNet.com
Necrosis: Death of tissue or cells within a localized area due to injury or disease.
Occluded Artery: Impaired blood flow due to blockage in an artery.
Percutaneous Translumnial Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA): A medical procedure wherein an
instrument (i.e., a catheter with a balloon tip) is inserted into a coronary artery that has been blocked
by plaque. The balloon is then inflated to decrease the plaque and stretch the artery. This is also
known as: Angioplasty.
Plaque: A fatty or other substance (e.g., cholesterol, white blood cells, calcium) deposited in the
inner lining of the artery wall. This is very typical of atherosclerosis.
Platelets: A type of cell found in blood plasma that helps the blood clot. Also known as a blood
platelet (thrombocyte).
Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A condition in which a blood clot that has formed elsewhere in the body
travels to the lungs. This is a very serious condition.
Restenosis: The re-closing or re-narrowing of an artery after a corrective procedure such as
angioplasty or stent placement.
Revascularization: A procedure to restore blood flow to the tissues or an organ.
Risk Factors: A characteristic, condition, or behavior that increases the possibility of disease or
injury. Examples of risk factors include: smoking, age, sex, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.
Sheath: A thin tube placed inside a blood vessel during a surgical procedure which helps with
proper placement of a catheter.
Shunt: A surgical procedure to connect or divert blood to flow between two locations.
Stenosis: The narrowing of an opening or passage way, such as a blood vessel or heart valve.
Stent: A slender element (e.g., thread, catheter) that is used to support or keep an atery open during
a medical procedure (such as a balloon catheter).
Stroke: Also known as Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA). A stroke occurs when brain cells are
damaged from a lack of oxygen. This can happen when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked or an
artery to the brain ruptures.
Superior Vena Cava (SVC): The compression of the large vein that carries blood down to the heart
from the head and arms.
Thrombolysis: The process of destroying or desolving a blood clot.
Thrombosis: A blood clot that forms inside the blood vessel or vein.
Thrombolytic Therapy: A treatment plan involving drugs to dissolve blood clots in an artery.
Thrombus: See blood clot.
Transient Ischemic Attack: An event caused by the temporary disruption of blood flow to a
restricted area of the brain (also known as a mini stroke). The condition usually lasts only a short
time (less than 24 hours) and result in brief neurologic dysfunction.
Ultrasound: Medical equipment that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of body
parts or organs. The images are assist medical diagnosis.
Varicose Vein: Any vein that is bulging or swollen and protrudes from the skin surface.
Vascular: The body system involving the blood vessels (e.g., veins and arteries) which carry blood
throughout the body.
Vascular Headache: Pain caused by the swelling of blood vessels in the brain (e.g., headache,
migrane).
Vasoconstriction: The blood vessels constrict making it harder for blood to flow and raising blood
pressure.
Vasodilation: The expansion (or dilation) of blood vessels in the body which allows blood to flow
more easily and reduces blood pressure.
Vasodilator: A medicine that helps dilates blood vessels (causes vasodilation). Often prescribed to
allow blood to flow more easily around a blood clot.
Veins: A type of the blood vessel that carries blood to the heart.
abdomen area.
Aneurysm: An artery that buldges or protrudes from an arterial wall due to weakening of the wall.
Angiogram: A medical procedure wherein a dye is injected into an artery and xrays are taken. The
xrays will identify any blockage in the arteries.
Angiogenesis: The growth of new blood vessels (natural or drug-induced) to help reduce coronary
artery disease. New blood vessels will reroute blood flow around clogged arteries.
Angioplasty: A medical procedure wherein an instrument (i.e., a catheter with a balloon tip) is
inserted into a coronary artery that has been blocked by plaque. The balloon is then inflated to
decrease the plaque and stretch the artery. This is also known as: Percutaneous Translumnial
Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA).
Anticoagulant: A medicine that keeps blood from clotting by thinning the blood.
Aorta: The largest blood vessel (i.e., artery) in the body that carries blood from the heart to the rest of
the body.
Aortic Aneurysm: The aorta buldges or protrudes due to the weakening of the blood vessel wall.
Arteriography: A procedure wherein a dye (radiopaque contrast material) is injected into an artery
and xray equipment is then used to identify blockages and other abnormalities of the arteries.
Arteritis: Inflammation of the arteries.
Atherosclerosis: A disease that is commonly referred to as "hardening of the arteries." This
hardening of the arteries may be caused by deposits of fatty substances, calcium, cholesterol,
cellular waste, blood clotting or platelets in the inner lining of the artery wall. These deposits may
buildup and result in plaque which causes the artery walls to get thick and lose their elasticity.
Arteries: blood vessels which carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.
Atherectomy (Directional Coronary Atherectomy or DCA): A medical procedure to clean out clogged
arteries. A catheter, which has a cutting cylinder on the tip, is threaded through the artery. The cutting
cylinder shaves off the unwanted placque build up. The catherter collects the unwanted material and
it is removed from the body. This process can be repeated and allows the blood to flow better.
Balloon Angioplasty or Balloon Catheter (Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty or
PTCA): A medical procedure to open up clooged arteries. A long tube-like device which has a small
balloon on the tip is threaded through the artery. Once the balloon tip reaches the affected area, the
balloon is inflated. This compresses the placque into the artery wall and stretches it to allow the
blood to flow more freely.
Blood Clot: Blood that thickens and coagulates forming a mass. During an injury, clots help stop the
flow of blood. A clot forming in a vessel (artery) or heart chamber but does not move is known as
thrombus. Blot clots that move and disrupt the flow of blood are referred to as embolus or an
embolism.
Blood Pressure: As blood circulates throughout the body it exerts force in the arteries. This force is
called blood pressure. There are two forces that are measured. One, the force of blood as the heat
contracts (this is called systolic) and the force when the heart fills with blood (this is called diastolic).
Bypass: An artery, which supplies blood to the heart or other organ, may become severly clogged or
diseased. A surgical procedure can take a healthy artery or vein (from another area) and regraft it
around the diseased section. This will improve the blood flow to the heart or other organ.
Calcium-Channel Blocker: A drug which alleviates blood vessel spasms, lowers blood pressure,
and controls angina. The drug acts by blocking cell calcium asorption.
Capillaries: Small oxygen-rich blood vessels that connect arteries to veins. These blood vessels
also carry other nutrients to cells throughout the body
Carotid Artery Disease: There are two carotid arteries in the neck that supply blood to the neck, face
and brain. Disease results when placque builds up in the walls of these arteries causing a
“hardening of the arteries” (refer to atherosclerosis).
Catheter: A slender, hollow flexible tube which may have a balloon or cutting cylinder on the tip.
Cerebral Thrombosis: A blood clot that forms in an artery to the brain.
Cerebrovascular: The blood vessels and arteries that supply blood to the brain.
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA): This is commonly referred to as a stroke. A CVA occurs when
brain cells are damaged from a lack of oxygen. This can happen when the flow of blood to the brain
is blocked or an artery to the brain ruptures.
Cholesterol: An fatty substance that develops naturally in the body or is found in animal fats, dairy
and other foods. Cholesterol is travels through the blood and can be deposited in the arteries (such
as in coronary artery disease).
Circulatory System: The system involving blood vessels for the purpose of supplying oxygenated
blood and nutrients to vital organs (e.g., lungs, heart).
Claudication: A cramping pain in the usually in the legs caused by poor blood circulation (a lack of
oxygen to the muscles). This may create a temporary limp.
Collateral Circulation: Blood flow through small blood vessels that are usually closed but open in
response to blockage of a primary blood vessel.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The coronary arteries become blocked by plaque. The coronary
arteries are the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscles.
Cyanosis: Refers to the blue color of skin which is caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood
vessels near the skin.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in a deep vein (predominantly in the legs or pelvis and
occasionally in the arms).
Diabetes (Type 1): Bodies that produce little to no insulin may develop this type of diabetes. The cells
throughout the body need insulin (i.e., glucose) for energy. The affect is that "blood" glucose then
rises. This can also damage the pancreas. Insulin injections are needed to control blood glucose.
www.MedicineNet.com
Diabetes (Type 2): Although the body may (or may not) produce insulin, it does not know how to use ir
properly. The diagnosis for Type 2 diabetes is higher than Type 2. www.MedicineNet.com
Dissecting Aneurysm: A condition in which the layers of an artery are torn, causing blood to flow
between the layers. Dissecting aneurysms usually happen in the thoracic aorta, which is the large
vessel that carries blood from the heart to other parts of the body. This is an extremely serious, often
fatal, condition.
Doppler Ultrasound: A technical device that uses sound waves to assess the flow of blood through
blood vessels.
Edema: Swelling caused by fluid accumulation in cells or tissues.
Embolism: Refer to embolus.
Embolus: A blood clot that forms in one part of the body and travels to another part blocking the flow
of blood (also known as an embolism).
Endarterectomy: Surgical removal of plaque deposits on the inner lining of an artery. Build-up of
plaque on the inner lining may be caused by atherosclerosis.
Ischemia: A decrease in blood flow to tissue or an organ due to blood vessel constriction or
obstruction.
Ischemic Stroke: A type of stroke that is caused by blockage in a blood vessel (thrombosis or
embolism).
Inferior Vena Cava (IVC): The largest vein in the body that returns blood from the legs and abdomen
to the heart.
Jugular Veins (Internal and External): The veins that carry blood to the heart from the head.
Lumen: The hollow area within a blood vessel.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A radiology technique that uses magnetism, radio waves, and
a computer to produce images of body structures. www.MedicineNet.com
Necrosis: Death of tissue or cells within a localized area due to injury or disease.
Occluded Artery: Impaired blood flow due to blockage in an artery.
Percutaneous Translumnial Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA): A medical procedure wherein an
instrument (i.e., a catheter with a balloon tip) is inserted into a coronary artery that has been blocked
by plaque. The balloon is then inflated to decrease the plaque and stretch the artery. This is also
known as: Angioplasty.
Plaque: A fatty or other substance (e.g., cholesterol, white blood cells, calcium) deposited in the
inner lining of the artery wall. This is very typical of atherosclerosis.
Platelets: A type of cell found in blood plasma that helps the blood clot. Also known as a blood
platelet (thrombocyte).
Pulmonary Embolism (PE): A condition in which a blood clot that has formed elsewhere in the body
travels to the lungs. This is a very serious condition.
Restenosis: The re-closing or re-narrowing of an artery after a corrective procedure such as
angioplasty or stent placement.
Revascularization: A procedure to restore blood flow to the tissues or an organ.
Risk Factors: A characteristic, condition, or behavior that increases the possibility of disease or
injury. Examples of risk factors include: smoking, age, sex, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.
Sheath: A thin tube placed inside a blood vessel during a surgical procedure which helps with
proper placement of a catheter.
Shunt: A surgical procedure to connect or divert blood to flow between two locations.
Stenosis: The narrowing of an opening or passage way, such as a blood vessel or heart valve.
Stent: A slender element (e.g., thread, catheter) that is used to support or keep an atery open during
a medical procedure (such as a balloon catheter).
Stroke: Also known as Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA). A stroke occurs when brain cells are
damaged from a lack of oxygen. This can happen when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked or an
artery to the brain ruptures.
Superior Vena Cava (SVC): The compression of the large vein that carries blood down to the heart
from the head and arms.
Thrombolysis: The process of destroying or desolving a blood clot.
Thrombosis: A blood clot that forms inside the blood vessel or vein.
Thrombolytic Therapy: A treatment plan involving drugs to dissolve blood clots in an artery.
Thrombus: See blood clot.
Transient Ischemic Attack: An event caused by the temporary disruption of blood flow to a
restricted area of the brain (also known as a mini stroke). The condition usually lasts only a short
time (less than 24 hours) and result in brief neurologic dysfunction.
Ultrasound: Medical equipment that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of body
parts or organs. The images are assist medical diagnosis.
Varicose Vein: Any vein that is bulging or swollen and protrudes from the skin surface.
Vascular: The body system involving the blood vessels (e.g., veins and arteries) which carry blood
throughout the body.
Vascular Headache: Pain caused by the swelling of blood vessels in the brain (e.g., headache,
migrane).
Vasoconstriction: The blood vessels constrict making it harder for blood to flow and raising blood
pressure.
Vasodilation: The expansion (or dilation) of blood vessels in the body which allows blood to flow
more easily and reduces blood pressure.
Vasodilator: A medicine that helps dilates blood vessels (causes vasodilation). Often prescribed to
allow blood to flow more easily around a blood clot.
Veins: A type of the blood vessel that carries blood to the heart.
| VASCULAR VOCABULARY |
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this web-site or by any links to or from this site is strictly presented for educational and entertainment purposes only. This information is not
a recommendation for a specific treatment plan, product, or course of action or medical or healthcare provider. In addition, this information may become out
of date over time. It is important that you see a healthcare professional for detailed information about medical conditions and treatments. This information is
not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Site Map Disclaimer Privacy Statement Contact Us Copyright 2007 Summit Surgical Institute, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this web-site or by any links to or from this site is strictly presented for educational and entertainment purposes only. This information is not
a recommendation for a specific treatment plan, product, or course of action or medical or healthcare provider. In addition, this information may become out
of date over time. It is important that you see a healthcare professional for detailed information about medical conditions and treatments. This information is
not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Site Map Disclaimer Privacy Statement Contact Us Copyright 2007 Summit Surgical Institute, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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References:
Hospital Affiliations
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Vocabulary: Thoracic
Vocabulary: Vascular
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CONTACT US
Office Information:
About Us
Appointments
New Jersey Offices
New York Office
Our Surgeons:
Our Physicians
Gary Kline, M.D.
Roxana Kline, M.D.
Our Specialties:
General Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Vascular Surgery
Cosmetic Services
Summit Vein Institute
Patient Information:
Information Overview
Insurance Companies
Newsletters
Patient Profile Form
Pharmacies
References:
Hospital Affiliations
Medical Organizations
Vocabulary: Thoracic
Vocabulary: Vascular
Web-Site Links
CONTACT US