Angiology is a medical specialty.
In the term angiology it is possible to recognize two compositional elements: angio- (which refers to lymphatic or blood vessels ) and -plasty (linked to science or study ). This composition already gives us information about the meaning of the concept.
Angiology is the specialization of medicine focused on the vascular system . In this way, it is dedicated to the examination of the vessels of the lymphatic system and the circulatory system , studying their anatomy and the diseases that can affect them.
What are glasses
In the human body, the vessels are the conduits through which lymph circulates (the part of the blood plasma that, after passing through the walls of the capillaries, combines with various substances generated by the cells) or blood (the red liquid that It allows the distribution of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body and collects waste from the cells). Depending on each case, we speak of lymphatic vessels or blood vessels .
The vessels are integrated into a kind of network throughout the body. If these structures are damaged or do not function properly, problems can occur in specific organs or the body in general.
Angiology is the medical and surgical specialty that addresses all issues related to the vessels. The expert in this area is known as an angiologist .
Angiology experts are responsible for treating vascular conditions.
Importance of angiology
Blood vessels ( capillaries , arteries and veins ) and lymphatic vessels combine to transport, in the blood and lymph , both metabolic wastes and nutrients, carbon dioxide, oxygen and other elements. A person's health depends on numerous factors: among them, these vessels and their associated systems.
Angiology makes possible the diagnosis and treatment of all vascular conditions. Venous thrombosis, venous insufficiency, varicose veins, lymphedema, and venous and arterial occlusions are some of the problems it can treat.
To fulfill its mission , it can develop prevention tasks through different exploration techniques. If necessary, angiology uses interventions such as microsurgeries, conventional surgeries and radiofrequency or laser therapies.
Differences with phlebology
Angiology is often confused with phlebology . Angiology is a specialty that can fully diagnose and treat any condition of the circulatory system . Phlebology, on the other hand, only treats venous pathologies.
In the Spanish case, for example , the angiologist is a doctor who studied six years at a university, passed a MIR exam and had medical-surgical training in hospitals for five years. Therefore, to become a qualified specialist in angiology, eleven years of study are required. The phlebologist, on the other hand, has a much more limited training and his scope of action is reduced.
The “Angiology” magazine
Since 1949 , the Spanish Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery has published a bimonthly scientific publication entitled “Angiology” . The magazine includes original articles, review texts, research and scientific images, among other content.
Everything that is published in “Angiology” is previously reviewed with the system known as “double-blind peers” . This means that two specialists evaluate the material without knowing the name of the author (who, in turn, does not know who the reviewers are).