Peripheral arterial disease occurs when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow, commonly to the legs. Symptoms may include leg pain during walking, cold feet, slow-healing wounds or pain at rest in advanced cases. Evaluation may involve vascular examination and imaging, followed by medical management or selected interventions based on disease severity.
An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement of the aorta that may progress and, in severe cases, rupture. Management depends on its location, size, growth and the patient's health. Monitoring, risk-factor control, endovascular repair or open surgery may be considered following specialist assessment and appropriate imaging.
Limb salvage aims to preserve a threatened arm or leg when circulation problems, tissue damage or severe wounds create a risk of amputation. Treatment may involve improving blood flow, wound care, infection management and coordinated medical care. The approach depends on the extent of tissue injury and the underlying vascular condition.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that commonly appear in the legs because of impaired venous valve function. They may cause aching, heaviness, swelling or skin changes. Depending on symptoms and clinical findings, management may include compression, lifestyle measures, endovenous procedures or surgery when indicated.
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, warmth and tenderness, although some cases have few symptoms. Assessment and treatment may involve ultrasound imaging and anticoagulant medication; selected severe cases may require specialist intervention.
Carotid artery disease develops when the arteries supplying blood to the brain become narrowed, often because of atherosclerosis. It can increase the risk of stroke. Management depends on the degree of narrowing, symptoms and overall risk, and may include medication, risk-factor control or selected surgical and endovascular procedures.
Angioplasty uses a balloon catheter to widen a narrowed blood vessel, while a stent may be placed to help keep the vessel open. These minimally invasive procedures can improve blood flow in selected vascular conditions. Suitability depends on the location of the blockage, symptoms, imaging findings and the patient's individual risk factors.
Endovascular aneurysm repair involves placing a stent graft inside an affected blood vessel through catheter-based access, where appropriate. It can be used for selected aortic aneurysms depending on their anatomy and clinical features. Imaging, procedural risk, follow-up requirements and suitability for open repair are considered during treatment planning.
Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds that can develop because of nerve damage, pressure, infection or poor circulation. Assessment may include checking blood flow, wound depth and signs of infection. Treatment can involve wound care, pressure offloading, diabetes management and vascular intervention when impaired circulation is contributing to delayed healing.
Vascular wounds may develop when poor arterial circulation or impaired venous return damages the skin and underlying tissues. Appropriate assessment helps identify the cause and guide care. Treatment may include wound dressings, compression for suitable venous conditions, infection management and restoration of blood flow when arterial insufficiency is present.
An arteriovenous fistula is a surgically created connection between an artery and a vein, commonly used to provide vascular access for haemodialysis. The procedure is planned according to the patient's blood vessels and dialysis needs. Follow-up is important to assess fistula function and identify complications such as narrowing or clotting.
Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when nerves or blood vessels are compressed near the space between the neck and shoulder. Symptoms may include arm pain, tingling, weakness, swelling or changes in limb circulation. Treatment depends on whether nerves or blood vessels are affected and may include conservative care or selected surgical treatment.
Vascular trauma involves injury to arteries or veins following accidents, penetrating wounds or other physical injuries. Such injuries may cause severe bleeding, reduced circulation or damage to surrounding tissues. Urgent evaluation is essential, and treatment may involve controlling bleeding, repairing the vessel, restoring blood flow or performing vascular reconstruction.
Vascular bypass surgery creates an alternative route for blood to flow around a severely narrowed or blocked vessel. It may be considered for selected patients with advanced arterial disease when symptoms, anatomy and overall health support the procedure. The choice of graft and surgical approach depends on the affected vessel and treatment objectives.
Acute limb ischaemia is a sudden reduction in blood flow to an arm or leg that can threaten the affected limb. Warning signs include sudden pain, pallor, coldness, numbness or weakness. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate assessment, as urgent medication or a procedure to restore circulation may be necessary.