Medical terms

A test that compares blood pressure measured at the ankle with that measured at the arm, to assess circulation in the legs and help detect peripheral arterial disease. A low reading may indicate reduced blood flow.

Branched endovascular repair (BEVAR) is a treatment for complex aortic aneurysms that uses a stent graft with branches designed to maintain blood flow to major arteries, such as the renal and other visceral arteries.

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment formed mainly when haemoglobin from ageing red blood cells breaks down. The liver processes it and eliminates it via the bile; if it builds up in the blood, it can cause jaundice.

Bioimpedance analysis is a test that estimates body composition – such as body fat, fat-free mass and water – by passing a very low-intensity electrical current through the body.

Eyelid surgery that removes or alters excess skin, fat or other tissues to improve their function or appearance. It may be carried out for functional or cosmetic reasons.

Chronic venous disease encompasses persistent disorders of the veins in the legs, which can cause anything from spider veins and varicose veins to swelling, skin changes or venous ulcers. Its severity and symptoms can vary greatly from one person to another.

See also: Chronic venous insufficiency Varicose veins Oedema

Chronic venous insufficiency is a persistent impairment of blood return via the veins in the legs, which can lead to swelling, discomfort, skin changes and, in more advanced cases, venous ulcers.

See also: Chronic venous disease Venous ulcer

An electronic device that is surgically implanted and converts sounds into electrical signals which directly stimulate the auditory nerve. It can improve sound perception and speech understanding in people with severe or profound hearing loss.

Compression stockings are elastic garments that apply controlled pressure to the legs, generally greater at the ankle and gradually decreasing upwards. They help to improve venous return and can reduce symptoms such as swelling, heaviness or pain.

See also: Oedema Venous ulcer Venous reflux

Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is an imaging test that uses computed tomography and intravenous contrast to produce detailed images of the blood vessels and detect abnormalities in their anatomy or blood flow.

See also: Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) Doppler ultrasound (Doppler scan)

Conventional varicose vein surgery is a surgical procedure that involves ligating and removing the affected superficial veins through small incisions. It may include the removal of a saphenous vein and the removal of other varicose veins.

See also: Endovenous thermal ablation

A surgical procedure that creates a new drainage pathway between the lacrimal sac and the nose when the lacrimal duct is blocked, allowing tears to drain back into the nasal cavity

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs, although it can also occur in other areas. It can cause pain and swelling and, if part of the clot breaks away, lead to a pulmonary embolism.

See also: Pulmonary embolism Deep venous system Doppler ultrasound (Doppler scan)

The deep venous system is the network of veins located deep within the body, amongst the muscles of the legs, which carry much of the blood back to the heart. It connects to the superficial venous system via perforating veins.

See also: Perforating vein Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Doppler ultrasound (Doppler scan)

A Doppler ultrasound is a test that allows the blood vessels to be visualised and the direction and speed at which blood flows through the arteries and veins to be assessed. It does not use ionising radiation and does not usually require a contrast agent.

See also: Venous reflux Deep venous system Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A test that uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone mineral density. It can also be used to estimate body fat and lean body mass.

A set of surgical techniques carried out within the urinary tract using instruments inserted through the urethra or via small incisions. It enables the treatment of stones, strictures or tumours without the need for open surgery.

Endovenous laser treatment is a form of thermal ablation, that is, a technique that closes a vein using heat. To do this, a laser fibre is inserted into the vein, which delivers energy and causes the vein to close.

See also: Venous radiofrequency Endovenous thermal ablation

Endovenous thermal ablation is a treatment that closes an incompetent superficial vein by applying heat from within using a catheter, usually guided by ultrasound. The heat can be generated using a laser or radiofrequency.

See also: Endovenous laser treatment Venous radiofrequency Saphenous veins Venous reflux

A minimally invasive technique for treating an aortic aneurysm using a stent graft that is inserted via the arteries, usually through the groin, and positioned within the aorta to isolate the aneurysm from the blood flow.

An endovascular technique for treating complex aortic aneurysms using a stent graft with small openings, known as fenestrations, which allow blood flow to be maintained to the arteries supplying the kidneys and other organs.

Foam sclerotherapy is a form of sclerotherapy in which a sclerosing agent is mixed with air or another gas to form a foam that is injected into the vein. The foam facilitates contact between the sclerosing agent and the vein wall and promotes its closure

See also: Sclerotherapy

A surgical procedure in which the upper part of the stomach is wrapped partially or completely around the lower part of the oesophagus to reinforce the barrier that prevents the contents of the stomach from flowing back into the oesophagus.

A group of tumours that originate in glial cells, which are responsible for supporting and protecting nerve cells. They can occur in the brain or spinal cord and may grow slowly or more aggressively.

A type of cancer that originates in hepatocytes, the main cells of the liver. It is the most common primary liver cancer and occurs most frequently in people with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis.

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive technique that concentrates ultrasound energy from outside the skin to generate heat at a specific point in the vein and promote its closure, without inserting a catheter into it.

See also: Endovenous thermal ablation Saphenous veins

The intestinal barrier is the collection of cells and substances that line the inside of the intestine and regulate what can pass through it. It enables the absorption of nutrients and helps prevent microorganisms, toxins and other potentially harmful substances from entering the body’s tissues.

An imaging test that uses a small ultrasound probe inserted into a blood vessel to examine its wall and interior, measure its diameter and assess any narrowing or other abnormalities.

Surgery carried out via small incisions through which a camera and specialised instruments are inserted. It allows for surgery with less pain and a quicker recovery than open surgery.

Magnetic resonance angiography is an imaging technique that uses magnetic resonance to examine blood vessels – both arteries and veins – and detect abnormalities in their anatomy or blood flow. It can be performed with or without contrast.

See also: Computed tomography angiography (CT angiography) Doppler ultrasound (Doppler scan)

Mechanochemical ablation is a technique for closing a vein through the combined action of a device that mechanically damages its inner wall and the simultaneous administration of a sclerosing solution, without the use of heat.

See also: Vein occlusion using adhesive (cyanoacrylate) Sclerotherapy

The most common type of lung cancer. It includes several subtypes, such as adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and tends to grow and spread more slowly than small cell lung cancer.

Oedema is the abnormal build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues, which causes swelling. It can occur in various parts of the body, although it is common in the legs, ankles and feet, and can have a wide variety of causes.

See also: Chronic venous disease Compression stockings

Inflammation of the lining of the oesophagus, which may be caused by the reflux of stomach contents, allergic reactions, infections, medication or other causes. It can cause a burning sensation, pain or difficulty swallowing.

Outpatient phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves removing superficial varicose veins through small incisions or punctures in the skin, usually under local anaesthetic. It can be carried out on its own or in combination with other venous treatments.

See also: Sclerotherapy Endovenous thermal ablation

Small glands usually located behind the thyroid gland that produce parathyroid hormone, which helps to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.

A perforating vein is a vein that connects the superficial venous system with the deep venous system of the leg, passing through the tissues that separate them. Its valves help to direct blood from the superficial veins into the deep veins.

See also: Deep venous system Venous reflux

Phlebography, also known as venography, is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a contrast medium injected into a vein to visualise the veins and assess their anatomy and the flow of blood through them.

See also: Doppler ultrasound (Doppler scan)

Post-treatment hyperpigmentation is a darkening of the skin that can occur along the course of a vein following certain treatments, particularly after sclerotherapy. It usually fades over time, although in some cases it may persist.

See also: Sclerotherapy Foam sclerotherapy

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in a lung artery, usually caused by a blood clot that has formed in a deep vein – often in the legs or pelvis – and has travelled to the lungs. It can cause shortness of breath, chest pain and other symptoms.

See also: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A cardiac ablation technique that uses very brief electrical pulses to selectively damage the cells responsible for certain arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, whilst minimising damage to surrounding tissue.

Recanalisation is the partial or complete reopening of a vein that had become blocked following treatment. It may allow blood to flow through the treated segment once again and, in some cases, may be associated with the reappearance of varicose veins or symptoms.

See also: Endovenous thermal ablation HIFU Chronic venous disease

Reticular veins are small, dilated superficial veins that are visible beneath the skin and have a bluish or greenish tinge. They are larger than telangiectasias or spider veins, but smaller than varicose veins.

See also: Telangiectasias Sclerotherapy

The saphenous veins are the main superficial veins of the legs. The great saphenous vein runs mainly along the inner side of the leg and thigh, whilst the small saphenous vein runs up the back of the leg. Both play a part in returning blood to the heart.

See also: Venous reflux Venous valve Endovenous thermal ablation

Sclerotherapy is a treatment that involves injecting a sclerosing agent into a vein; this acts on the vein’s inner wall, causing it to close and, over time, to shrink. It can be administered in liquid or foam form.

See also: Foam sclerotherapy Telangiectasias Endovenous thermal ablation

A skin biopsy is a test in which a small sample of skin is removed for analysis, usually under a microscope. It is used to diagnose or confirm various skin conditions, including inflammatory, infectious and tumour-related lesions.

A fast-growing type of lung cancer that usually spreads quickly to other parts of the body. Its cells are small and display specific characteristics when viewed under a microscope.

Superficial vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a superficial vein, accompanied by inflammation of the vein wall. It usually causes pain, redness, warmth and a hardened area along the affected vein.

See also: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Venous reflux

A chain of nerve ganglia situated on either side of the spinal column, which forms part of the sympathetic nervous system and helps to control the body’s automatic functions, such as sweating and heart rate.

Telangiectasias, commonly known as spider veins, are small, dilated superficial blood vessels that are visible through the skin as fine reddish, bluish or purplish lines.

See also: Reticular veins Sclerotherapy Varicose veins

Telangiectatic matting is the appearance of a network of small, reddish, superficial blood vessels around a treated area, particularly following sclerotherapy. It is usually a cosmetic issue and may improve over time.

See also: Post-treatment hyperpigmentation Sclerotherapy

Depression that does not improve sufficiently after having tried at least two suitable antidepressant treatments, administered at appropriate doses and for the necessary duration

Tumescent anaesthesia is a local anaesthetic technique that involves injecting a diluted anaesthetic solution around the vein to be treated. As well as reducing discomfort, it compresses the vein and helps to protect the surrounding tissues from heat during thermal ablation.

See also: Endovenous thermal ablation

A tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and can tighten the abdominal wall to improve its shape and firmness

A leg deformity in which the knee turns outwards, causing the knees to come together whilst the ankles splay outwards. Like varus, it can lead to uneven wear and tear on the joint.

A varicose vein is a dilated, twisted superficial vein, visible beneath the skin, which occurs when the vein wall and its valves do not function properly, leading to a build-up of blood in the vein.

See also: Venous reflux Chronic venous disease Telangiectasias

A leg deformity in which the knee turns inwards, causing the legs to take on a bow-legged shape. It can lead to uneven wear of the articular cartilage and increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

An endovenous technique that seals a vein by applying a cyanoacrylate medical adhesive via a catheter. It does not use heat and generally does not require tumescent anaesthesia around the vein.

See also: Mechanochemical ablation Endovenous thermal ablation

Venoactive drugs are medicines used to relieve symptoms of chronic venous disease, such as heaviness, pain, cramps or a feeling of swelling in the legs. They can improve these symptoms, but they do not make varicose veins disappear, nor do they, on their own, resolve the problem of impaired venous circulation.

See also: Compression stockings Oedema

Venous radiofrequency ablation is a thermal ablation treatment, that is, a technique that closes a vein using heat. To do this, a catheter is inserted into the vein, which delivers radiofrequency energy and heats the vein wall in a controlled manner until it closes.

See also: Endovenous laser treatment Endovenous thermal ablation

Venous reflux is the abnormal flow of blood in the opposite direction to normal within a vein, usually because its valves do not close properly. It can lead to a build-up of blood in the legs and the development of varicose veins and other signs of venous disease.

See also: Venous valve Doppler ultrasound (Doppler scan) Varicose veins

A venous ulcer is an open skin sore, usually located on the lower leg or near the ankle, caused by a long-term problem with venous circulation. It tends to heal slowly and may recur if the venous problem persists.

See also: Chronic venous insufficiency Compression stockings

A venous valve is a structure found inside some veins that allows blood to flow towards the heart and helps to prevent it from flowing backwards. Its function is particularly important in the veins of the legs.

See also: Venous reflux Saphenous veins