Cirrhosis is a type of liver disease. Over time, it scars the liver. Varices are blood vessels that have expanded (gotten bigger). Varices usually happen in the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus is the swallowing tube that connects your mouth and stomach. Esophageal varices are a common problem in advanced cirrhosis.This pamphlet explains how varices are diagnosed, how to get ready for the test, what will happen during and after the test, how the test is done, and possible complications of t…
Laser treatment uses a strong beam of light (laser) that can be focused to treat certain diseases of the retina. The 3 most common diseases treated with a laser are – retinal holes or tears, diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy), and other problems with retinal blood vessels. The pamphlet describes getting ready for a laser treatment, what will happen during treatment, and care after.
Diabetic retinopathy happens when changes take place in the blood vessels near the retina, causing leaks or bleeding. Diabetic macular edema is a swelling of the macula (very small centre area of your retina, which gives you the central vision needed to do things like reading, watching TV, and seeing faces) that may be caused by diabetes, happen after eye surgery, or happen for no known reason (idiopathic). The pamphlet describes these disorders, their treatment, and how to control them. The Fr…
La rétinopathie diabétique a lieu lorsque des changements se produisent au niveau des vaisseaux sanguins situés près de la rétine et entraînent une fuite ou un saignement. L’œdème maculaire diabétique est un gonflement de la macula (très petite zone centrale de la rétine, qui donne la vision centrale nécessaire pour lire, regarder la télévision et voir les visages) qui peut être causé par le diabète, survenir après une opération aux yeux ou se produire sans raison connue (idiopathique). Le prés…
During this special X-ray test, a colourless dye is injected into your blood vessels so that they can be seen on X-ray. An angiogram can be used to X-ray blood vessels in various parts of the body. This pamphlet describes getting ready for the test, how the test is done, and care after the test.
The brain is protected by a tough outer covering called the dura. Around the dura, there are many blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. If a blood vessel (usually a vein) is torn below the dura, blood collects between the dura and the brain. This is called a subdural hematoma. This pamphlet explains the different types of subdural hematomas, causes, symptoms, possible tests, treatment, surgery, what will happen after surgery, special situations, possible complications, discharge plannin…
Your heart pumps blood around your body through blood vessels called arteries. Blood pressure is the force of blood on the walls of your arteries as it moves. This pamphlet explains what high blood pressure is, how it is is measured, and treatment.
A fistuloplasty is a non-surgical procedure used to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels in your fistula. The blood vessel is stretched with a special balloon. The pamphlet outlines who will do your procedure, where it is done, how long you will be at the hospital, how to get ready, and how the procedure is done. What happens after, risks, and a list of symptoms to watch for are provided.
Photodynamic therapy is a treatment that may help eye conditions like: Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR). Wet AMD affects your central vision when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under your retina. CSR is a buildup of fluid under your retina. Topics include: how PDT works, getting ready, how treatment is done, and care afterwards. The French version of this pamphlet 1717, "La thérapie photodynamique", is also available.
La thérapie photodynamique (TPD) est un traitement qui peut être utile pour des affections de l’œil comme la dégénérescence maculaire humide liée à l'âge (DMLA humide) et la rétinopathie séreuse centrale (RSC). La DMLA humide affecte la vision centrale quand de nouveaux vaisseaux sanguins anormaux se développent sous la rétine. La RSC est une accumulation de liquide sous la rétine. Le présent dépliant traite de la façon dont fonctionne la TPD, de la préparation, du déroulement du traitement et …
Chyle is a fluid that flows through your lymph vessels. Lymph vessels run through your body beside your blood vessels. When chyle leaks from your lymph vessels, your body loses energy, protein, and vitamins. Eating fat-free foods can help close a chyle leak. This pamphlet explains fat-free nutrition guidelines and tips to follow if you have a chyle leak. Meal ideas are included.
TTP stands for thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura. In TTP, the linings of your blood vessels are damaged. Platelets stick to the damaged areas to prevent or stop bleeding. This causes very small clots to form. These clots can block the blood flow in your body. These blockages can cause problems in the affected organs, usually the brain and kidneys. Causes, symptoms, treatment options, and ways to prevent injury or bleeding problems are listed.
A fistulogram is a special X-ray. A colourless contrast (X-ray dye) will be injected into your blood vessels using an IV (intravenous line). This dye will help your health care tream see your dialysis access (fistula). The test will take about 15 to 30 minutes. The pamphlet describes getting ready for the X-ray, how the test is done, and care after. Risks and a list of symptoms to watch for are provided.
This one-sided, single sheet pamphlet gives a basic illustration of the coronary arteries. It is to be used as a teaching reference for staff and their patients. This pamphlet outlines the right coronary artery, aorta, pulmonary artery, left coronary artery, left main artery, circumflex branch, and left anterior descending artery.
This pamphlet provides specific instructions on how to cleanse your skin using CHG wipes before your vascular surgery. It outlines what to expect in terms of skin irritation and how the wipes will feel on your skin after being applied. Instructions for showering, shaving, and using personal care products are listed.
This surgery is done to remove tumours or growths in your mouth and nearby areas. These tumours may be cancerous. This surgery may remove: part of your lower jaw bone and tongue, part of the floor (bottom), side, or top of your mouth, the lymph nodes and some of the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles on the side of your neck where the tumours are. Other topics include: what to expect before surgery, how the surgery is done, after surgery, possible complications, what to expect when going home, …
The choroid and retina are layers in the back of your eye. The choroid has blood vessels that can be changed by disease and age. An indocyanine green chorioangiography (ICG) test takes pictures of the blood vessels in your choroid and retina. These pictures are used to help your ophthalmologist (eye doctor) diagnose and treat any problems you may have, and compare to your future exams. This pamphlet explains how to get ready for this test, how the test is done, and what will happen after the te…
Pulmonary hypertension causes high blood pressure (hypertension) in the blood vessels that connect your heart and lungs (pulmonary arteries). PAH is pulmonary hypertension that is caused by a progressive (gets worse over time) disease. This pamphlet explains what causes PAH, why you have been referred to the PAH Program, how the PAH Program will help you, and how PAH is treated.