This is the dilatation or ballooning of a section of the aorta which is the main artery coming out of the heart. An aneurysm usually occurs because of an underlying weakness in the wall of the aorta at that point. Very often you will not have any symptoms from the aneurysm and it may only be discovered through a chest x-ray or CT scan. If the aneurysm begins to get larger or leak, you may experience chest or back pain. If there is a risk of the aneurysm bursting, surgery will be required. Treatment Endovascular therapy: a long thin tube (catheter) is inserted through a small incision (cut) made in the groin in the groin. The catheter is guided to the site of the aneurysm and a graft (synthetic tube) or stent (a metal tube) is put in place to relieve the pressure on the aneurysm. Conventional: an incision is made in the abdomen or chest and the weakened part of the aorta is replaced with a graft.

You have two carotid arteries, one on either side of your neck, that supply blood to your brain. Carotid artery disease occurs if these arteries become narrowed due to atherosclerosis (a build up of fat and cholesterol deposits on the inner walls of the vessels). If a clot forms in one of the carotid arteries and reduces or stops the flow of blood to part of your brain, it may cause a stroke. You have an increased risk of developing carotid artery disease if you: have a family history of atherosclerosis smoke have high blood pressure (hypertension) have diabetes have coronary artery disease. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes e.g. stopping smoking, exercising more, dietary changes and/or medication. If there is severe narrowing of the arteries, treatment may involve surgery. Surgical treatment: Surgical treatment Carotid Endarterectomy: an incision (cut) is made along the side of the neck, the carotid artery opened and the fatty material (plaque) removed. The artery is closed with a patch. Minimally invasive: a long thin tube (catheter) is inserted through a small incision made in the groin. The catheter is guided to the carotid artery where a balloon attached to the catheter is inflated to clear the blockage or a small metal tube (stent) is put in place to hold the blood vessel open.

Balloon Angioplasty: a long thin tube (catheter) with a tiny balloon attached to the tip is inserted through a small incision (cut) made over an artery in your arm or groin. The catheter is guided through the arteries to the site of the blockage where the balloon is inflated to clear the blockage and, in some cases, a metal tube (stent) is inserted into the artery to keep it open. Endarterectomy: incisions are made in the affected limb and artery and the fatty material (plaque) in the blood vessel is removed. Bypass Surgery: a piece of a vein from another part of the body or a tube made of synthetic material (graft) is used to join the artery above and below the narrowed or blocked section. This creates a detour and a new path for the blood to flow around the blocked segment.

Balloon Angioplasty: a long thin tube (catheter) with a tiny balloon attached to the tip is inserted through a small incision (cut) made over an artery in your arm or groin. The catheter is guided through the arteries to the site of the blockage where the balloon is inflated to clear the blockage and, in some cases, a metal tube (stent) is inserted into the artery to keep it open. Endarterectomy: incisions are made in the affected limb and artery and the fatty material (plaque) in the blood vessel is removed. Bypass Surgery: a piece of a vein from another part of the body or a tube made of synthetic material (graft) is used to join the artery above and below the narrowed or blocked section. This creates a detour and a new path for the blood to flow around the blocked segment.

Sclerotherapy: a tiny needle is used to inject a chemical solution into the vein that causes the vein to collapse. This approach is recommended for small varicose veins only. Vein stripping: the varicose veins are cut out and the veins that branch off them are tied off. The cuts (incisions) made in the skin are closed with sutures. Phlebectomy: small cuts (incisions) are made in the leg and the varicose veins are pulled out with a tiny hook-like instrument. The cuts are closed with tape rather than sutures and, once healed, are almost invisible.