A Brief Description of Aneurysms, Carotid Disease and Claudication:
The aorta is the large blood vessel originating from the heart. When this becomes abnormally dilated it's called an aortic aneurysm. As the aorta passes through the chest (thorax) it's called a thoracic aneurysm and into the abdomen an abdominal aortic aneurysm. At Christchurch Veins we're able to offer a modern minimally invasive approach to aortic surgery with the latest up to date investigations and treatment modalities. To see more information please click on the button above or why not explore one of the links. This particular CT demonstrates a visceral and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Amurosis fugax and TIA (Transient Ischaemic attack) are focal neurological events "mini strokes" causing either temporary blindness or loss of sensation and / or power. These symptoms can be harbingers of an imminent stroke and should be treated extremely seriously. These "mini strokes" may be a sign of an underlying narrowing of one of the arteries to the brain. Surgery to remove the inner narrowed portion of the artery (when indicated) can significantly reduce the risk of a further stroke. This is called a carotid endarterectomy. Please click on the link above for more information.
Claudication or intermittent claudication is pain in the calf typically brought on by exercise and relieved by rest. Whilst this symptom is relatively benign in the majority of cases, it can also be a sign of underlying cardiac disease. Progression can lead to short distance claudication, significantly impacting on an individuals quality of life and capacity to work. Whilst exercise, smoking cessation and best medical therapy are the main stays of treatment, occasionally failure of conservative management requires further investigation and treatment. Click on the link above for more information or make an appointment if this sounds like you. Here we can see a narrow segment in the artery that requires a stent to improve the calibre of the vessel.