Overview Chronic lower limb ischemia can be classified using the Fontaine classification: Grades III and IV are classified as Critical Limb Ischemia. Intermittent claudication is a type of chronic lower limb ischemia that presents with muscle pain on exercise and is relieved on rest2. It affects 4% of people over 55, mostly men1. Up to […]

Overview Acute limb ischaemia refers to any sudden decrease in limb perfusion that causes a potential threat to viability. It is associated with pain, motor and sensory loss, and cold sensation. It affects one in about 6000 of the population1 and is more common in the lower limb, with less than 17% of cases affecting […]

Overview Critical limb ischaemia (CLI) represents grade III and IV chronic limb ischaemia (based on the Fontaine classification). It presents with rest pain, breakdown of skin and inability to heal an injury, which can lead to infection or gangrene. If left untreated it may be necessary to amputate the affected limb. CLI develops in 1% […]

Overview Chronic upper limb ischaemia is a form of peripheral arterial disease that results in a symptomatic reduced blood supply to the upper limb. The common symptoms are weakness, cramps, pain, and digital ischaemia/gangrene. Upper limb ischaemia occurs less frequently than lower limb ischaemia.  Anatomy/ Physiology Parent Artery Major Branches Aortic arch  Left subclavian artery […]

Overview Takayasu arteritis is a rare, chronic large-vessel vasculitis primarily affecting the aorta and its major branches, leading to stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysm formation. It most commonly affects young women (<40 years), particularly of Asian descent. The global incidence is estimated at 1–2 per million per year, with a female predominance (F:M ~9:1). It is […]

Overview Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a principal cause of long-term disability in much of the industrialized world. Stroke is often caused by atherosclerotic lesions of the carotid artery bifurcation. 10% of all strokes are due to carotid disease. The degree of internal carotid artery stenosis is the most important predictor of […]

Overview Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the formation of a blood clot in a vein deep under the skin 25-50% of surgical patients and many non-surgical patients. 65% of DVT are below the knee are symptomatic and rarely embolism to the lung. There are many causes of DVT. Pathophysiology All comes down to Virchow’s Triad. Any change […]

Overview Varivose veins (VV) are long, torturous and dilated don’t veins of the superficial venous system. There is a spectrum ranging from telangiectasias (dilated interdermal venules less than 1 mm), through to reticular veins (non-palpable subdermal veins 1–3 mm) to varicose veins (greater than 3 mm). 35% of the general population affected. The venous system of […]

Overview The prevalence of AAA sharply increases with age. Rupture is associated with a high mortality. Screening men over the age of 65 years reduces aneurysm related mortality. Patients diagnosed with small AAA should have ongoing surveillance with ultrasound and cardiovascular risk factor modification, and may be referred to a vascular surgeon for counselling about management options. Patients with […]

Overview Types of Aneurysm True Aneurysm is abnormal dilatations that involve all the layers of the vessel wall. False Aneurysms (pesudoaneurysm) involve a collection of blood in the outer layer only (adventitia) which communicates with the lumen. Aneurysms can be saccular (dilatation on one side) or fusiform (both sides) which is common in AAA. Aetiology […]

 Overview Aetiology and Risk Factors Risk Factors Cardiovascular risk factors Atrial fibrillation Recent MI Aortic athersclerosis Aneurysm Prior vascular surgery Deep vein thrombosis (paradoxical embolism) Risk Factors  The most important risk factors for PAD are cigarette smoking and diabetes mellitus. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, and elevated homocysteine levels also play significant roles. Clinical Manifestation Peripheral arterial disease […]

Aetiology and Risk Factors Aetiology Acute mesenteric ischemia can result from occlusion of a mesenteric vessel arising from an embolus, which may emanate from an atheroma of the aorta or cardiac mural thrombus, or from primary thrombosis of a mesenteric vessel, usually at a site of atherosclerotic stenosis. Embolic occlusion is more common in the […]