Arterial Disease

The aorta is the largest artery in the body, receiving blood from the left ventricle to supply the body with oxygenated blood. It can be divided into four sections, the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, the thoracic (descending) aorta, and the abdominal aorta, before terminating at the level of L4 when it bifurcates into the left and right common iliac arteries.

Both aortic dissection and aortic aneurysmal disease can occur at any point along the aorta and both conditions, when presenting acutely, can be life-threatening conditions. As such, it is essential that these conditions are investigated promptly, such that appropriate management can be implemented

Carotid artery disease is the build-up of atherosclerotic plaque in one or both of the common or internal carotid arteries, which leads to stenosis or occlusion. Whilst the majority of this disease is asymptomatic, some ischaemic strokes are caused by plaque rupture or atheroembolism. As such, vascular surgeons involvement is essential in performing suitable intervention to reduce this disease burden.