Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Harvard Medical School
		Frequently Asked Questions Glossary of Medical Terms Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): a ballooning of the major artery in the abdomen caused by weakening of the artery wall. Rupture of an AAA is life threatening. Angioplasty: a non-surgical treatment to open blocked or narrowed arteries, with or without stenting, to restore blood flow. Artery: a set of tubes that direct blood flow from the heart to other areas of the body. Artherosclerosis: hardening or blockage of arteries caused by a build-up of plaque in the artery walls. Bypass graft: a surgical procedure which creates a new channel (using a vein or other graft material) to redirect blood flow around a diseased or obstructed blood artery. Carotid Artery: the main blood vessel on either side of the neck that carries blood to the brain. Blockage or narrowing of the carotid arteries frequently leads to stroke. Endovascular repair of AAA: a minimally invasive method for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms. Initial studies show endovascular repair to be as successful as conventional, open surgery with shorter hospital stays. Under X-ray guidance, a physician threads a catheter containing an expandable metal tube (stent) through an artery in the groin and places the stent inside the aneurysm to protect the weakened artery. Intermittent Claudication: pressure, tightness, or aching pain in the calf, thigh, or buttock muscles after walking due to inadequate circulation in the legs. Ischemia: a decrease in the blood supply to organs or tissues because of blockage or narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the legs. Lower extremity: refers to legs and feet. Outcome: how well the patient does or how successful the procedure is. Peripheral Vascular Disease: a circulation disorder that affects the blood and lymph vessels outside of the heart; most often caused by a narrowing of blood vessels (arteries) that carry blood to arms and legs. Revascularization: reestablishing blood flow to tissues or organs. Stent: a tiny metal tube that is designed to keep weakened arteries in the open position. Stroke: a sudden and potentially fatal loss of brain function due to blockage or rupture of the blood vessels that nourish the brain.
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