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Here you will find quick answers to frequently asked questions about vascular diseases and the treatments we offer at Vascular Therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the most common questions about vascular surgical conditions and their answers.
Yes, it is dangerous because it can rupture , leading to uncontrolled and potentially fatal bleeding.
The abdominal aortic aneurysm should be surgically treated when its transverse diameter exceeds 5.5 cm in fusiform aneurysms or when the aneurysm is saccular.
Its diameter should be measured on a plane that is perpendicular to the aorta’s long axis. If you are not sure your aneurysm was measured this way, consult a specialist vascular surgeon who can review your aneurysm CT images by analyzing the examination CD on their computer using dedicated software.
Yes—your aneurysm’s shape matters, because if it is saccular, you may need surgery even if your aneurysm is smaller than 5.5 cm.
The veins that bulge in your leg (varicose veins) are superficial veins. Even if a clot (thrombosis) forms in the superficial veins, the chance that it will extend into the deep veins and become life-threatening is low. However, because perforator veins connect the superficial and deep veins along the entire length of the leg, your venous insufficiency should be assessed by a specialist vascular surgeon. Using a TRIPLEX (Color Duplex) ultrasound, they can evaluate the extent and anatomy of the problem and determine whether there is any risk in your individual case.
Yes—walking helps because it activates the calf muscle pump (gastrocnemius), which supports venous blood flow back toward the heart. It can also promote the development of collateral circulation in patients with arterial insufficiency (narrowing of the leg arteries).
No, standing is not beneficial because two negative conditions affect the lower limbs simultaneously: (a) the legs are vertical under the influence of gravity, which pulls blood downward, and (b) the calf muscles are inactive since you are not walking, so the natural mechanism that pushes blood toward the heart (muscle pump) is disabled.
Sitting in a chair is equally harmful as standing because the muscle pump does not function and the calf remains vertical.
The fistula (vascular access using the patient’s own vein) is the best possible option for the longest survival in patients who need hemodialysis. When suitable veins are not available, the next option is placement of a synthetic arteriovenous graft, while the last, emergency “backup” solution is a permanent central venous catheter.
he internal carotid artery supplies arterial blood to the brain at a pressure equal to the blood pressure measured in our arm. When the artery is significantly narrowed, the blood flow speed through the stenosis increases, which can lead to clots or fragments of atherosclerotic plaque . If these travel to the brain, they can block cerebral arteries and cause an ischemic stroke.
High cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerotic plaque forming in the arteries, which can lead to narrowing or even blockage. If your cholesterol levels are above the normal range, you should consult your treating doctor so they can advise you on the best way to manage the problem. If lifestyle changes (quitting smoking, diet, exercise) are insufficient, medication (statins) may be necessary under medical supervision.
Anticoagulant medications do not dissolve the clot but prevent the formation of new clots on the existing one. This allows the already formed clot to gradually shrink and reduce in volume, similar to how a grape dries in the sun and turns into a raisin. Over time, the old clot thins and creates space for blood flow (recanalization).
The sensation of cold feet can be caused by (A) reduced blood flow due to vascular problems, or (B) a dysfunction of the nerves that transmit the feeling of cold to the brain.
“Broken veins” on the legs are called spider veins , and they are small, dilated veins in the skin, often unrelated to the larger superficial or deep veins of the lower limbs.
The spider veins (broken veins) of lower limbs do not pose health risks in the vast majority of cases.
The cosmetic issue caused by spider veins in the lower limbs is mainly treated with sclerotherapy. Other methods include micro-thermocoagulation, laser treatment, and foam therapy.
