Thoracic Key

Pulmonary embolism (PE) as a complication of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity (and rarely of the upper extremity) is a widely recognized clinical problem causing an estimated 240,000…

Reducing the risk of stroke during carotid artery stenting requires a combination of proper patient selection and impeccable technique. Each phase of the procedure carries risk, and achieving optimal outcomes…

The femoropopliteal (FP) artery is the term used to describe the composite of the superficial femoral (SFA) and popliteal (PA) arteries. In an average adult, this artery measures approximately 50…

In 1905, Chiari reported that embolization of thrombotic material that formed on the surface of atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid sinus was a cause of apoplexy (i.e., sudden impairment of…

In the United States, abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is ranked as the 13th leading cause of death and is largely related to the high mortality rate associated with aneurysm rupture…

In 2006, approximately 350,000 patients were managed on dialysis programs in the United States alone, and this number is estimated to increase to 530,000 by 2020 (1,2). Almost 93% of…

Vascular interventions of the mesenteric vessels are typically performed to treat intestinal ischemia. Although acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) and chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) differ in their clinical presentation, etiology, and…

Peripheral angiographic suites have evolved over the last two decades to contain a number of features that are important in performing high-quality peripheral vascular angiography and intervention. Since most operators…

Dilatation of the superficial veins and/or venules of the leg, referred to as varicose veins, is the most common disorder of the superficial venous system of the lower extremity. This…

The infrarenal abdominal aorta and iliac arteries are among the most common sites of chronic obliterative atherosclerosis, accounting for about one third of all peripheral artery disease (PAD) cases. The…