Glossary

Atherosclerosis
A pathological process where fat & cholesterol are deposited into the walls of blood vessels. This fat can cause the inner diameter of the blood vessels to narrow (stenosis) as well as causing damage to the walls due to inflammation.

Angiography
A study of the blood vessels of the body, using contrast dye and x-ray imaging.

Angioplasty
The use of special balloon catheters which can be inflated to remove blockages in blood vessel walls. A stent may be placed after angioplasty to prevent re-narrowing.

Biopsy
The removal of a sample of tissue for further investigation.

Catheter
A special tube that is designed to be put into blood vessels. The catheter may have one lumen (hollow canals) or several, which allows for the delivery of drugs and other substances to various sites in the body. Some catheters also have special attachments such as balloons, stents, and lasers.

Embolisation
A procedure aimed at completely occluding a blood vessel, through the introduction of a special embolic agent via a catheter into the specific blood vessel. It is commonly used in the treatment of uterine fibroids. After the blood vessels supplying blood to the fibroid are embolised, the fibroids begin to shrink and the symptoms are relieved.

Interventional radiology
A specialty of medicine that utilises real time imaging and the use of catheters to investigate and/or treat a variety of illnesses.

Minimally invasive
A procedure that is minimally invasive requires only small incisions in order to gain access to a blood vessel. There are less risks involved with minimally invasive procedures (such as post-operative bleeding and infection) when compared to larger surgical incisions.

Percutaneous
Through the skin.

Stenosis
An abnormal narrowing (usually refers to the arteries of the body).

Stent
A wire mesh fitted over a balloon catheter. When the balloon is inflated, the stent opens and its metal structure supports the blood vessel, keeping it open.