-desis suff (Surgery) Binding, fixation (the surgeon made two things stick together).
-ectomy suff (Surgery) Indicating surgical excision of a part (the surgeon cut something out): appendectomy.
-esis suff Combining form meaning condition, action, or process.
-itis suff 1 Inflammation or disease of: laryngitis. 2 Forming nouns, often nonce words, that denote an obsessive state of mind or tendency facetiously compared to a disease: electionitis; telephonitis.
-ostomy suff (Surgery) Artificial or surgical opening (the surgeon made an opening). From Greek stoma, mouth.
-pexy suff (Surgery) Fixation (the surgeon moved the organ to the right place). From Greek pēxis, fixation.
-plasty suff (Surgery) Molding or shaping of a defect to restore form and function to a body part (the surgeon changed the shape of something). From Greek plastos, formed, shaped.
-poiesis suff Production; creation; formation: hematopoiesis.
-rrhaphy suff (Surgery) Surgical suturing (the surgeon sewed something up). From Greek rhaphē, suture.
-tomy suff (Surgery) indicating a surgical cutting of a specified part or tissue (the surgeon cut something): gastrotomy, lobotomy.
12 derivations n A derivation is the process of getting something from something else. The process of getting or collecting things or information. A standard ECG uses 12 derivations to examine the heart’s electrical potentials from 12 different viewpoints.
ablate v [:scroll: Latin ablātus, past participle of auferre to carry away =ab- ab- + lātus, past participle of ferre to bear] To remove or destroy the function of (a body organ or tissue).
ablation n The act or process of ablating.
accessory left atrial appendage n A rare anatomical variation of the left atrium, characterized by an additional outpouching or appendage beyond the main left atrial appendage.
activation mapping n The process of recording and displaying the timing and pattern of electrical activation as it spreads through the heart tissue during a cardiac cycle.
adhesion n [:scroll: From adhere, from French adhérer, from Latin adhaerēre, to stick to : ad-, ad- + haerēre, to stick] [Wikipedia] Firm apical adherences did not allow to reach the isthmus in the second epicardial mapping. Pericardial adhesions.
adipocyte n /ˈædɪpəʊˌsaɪt/ A fat cell that accumulates and stores fats.
akinesis n (akinesia) [:scroll: Greek akinēsiā : a-, without; see a-1 + kīnēsis, motion] Motionlessness attributable to a temporary paralysis.
alternans n 📣 /awl-ter'nanz/ Alternation in the pattern of activity (such as that produced by the heartbeat).
amyloid n (pathology) A waxy translucent complex protein resembling starch that results from degeneration of tissue.
angina n Angina is pain, “discomfort,” or pressure localized in the chest that is caused by an insufficient supply of blood (ischemia) to the heart muscle. It is also sometimes characterized by a feeling of choking, suffocation, or crushing heaviness. This condition is also called angina pectoris.
angioplasty n Surgical repair of a blood vessel, especially the widening of a narrowed blood vessel by means of balloon angioplasty.
aortic isthmus n A slight constriction of the aorta immediately distal to the left subclavian artery at the point of attachment of the ductus arteriosus.
aortic regurgitation n The backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle caused by incompetent closure of the aortic valve.
aortic root n
aortic sinus n [Wikipedia] The space between the superior aspect of each cusp of the aortic valve and the dilated portion of the wall of the ascending aorta, immediately above each cusp.
arrhythmia, arhythmia, arythmia, arrythmia n (different spelling variants) Any abnormality in the rhythm of the heartbeat. Syn dysrhythmia
arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia A disorder in which normal myocardium is replaced by fibrofatty tissue.
arrhythmogenic n Capable of inducing cardiac arrhythmias.
arterial puncture n Placement of a needle or catheter into an artery to sample blood gases or blood pressure, or positioning of a catheter in the aorta or the heart.
arteriosclerosis n [Wikipedia] The thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the walls of arteries.
aspect n The side of an object, such as an organ, that is facing in a particular direction.
asystole n The absence of heartbeat; cardiac arrest.
atherectomy n A non-surgical procedure to open blocked coronary arteries or vein grafts by using a device on the end of a catheter to cut or shave away atherosclerotic plaque (a deposit of fat and other substances that accumulate in the lining of the artery wall).
atherosclerosis n [WebMD] [Wikipedia] A disease in which the inside of an artery narrows due to the build up of plaque. The following terms are similar, yet distinct, in both spelling and meaning, and can be easily confused: arteriosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis, and atherosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis is a general term describing any hardening (and loss of elasticity) of medium or large arteries (from Greek ἀρτηρία (artēria) ‘artery’, and σκλήρωσις (sklerosis) ‘hardening’); arteriolosclerosis is any hardening (and loss of elasticity) of arterioles (small arteries); atherosclerosis is a hardening of an artery specifically due to an atheromatous plaque (from Ancient Greek ἀθήρα (athḗra) ‘gruel’). The term atherogenic is used for substances or processes that cause formation of atheroma.
atraumatic adj Not producing injury or damage.
atrial fibrillation n [Mayo Clinic] “Atrial fibrillation severely damages the atria.”—Prof. Paulus Kirchhof, MD
atrial flutter n [Encyclopedia article by TheFreeDictionary]
atrial remodeling n
atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia n
atrioventricular node n [Wikipedia]
bacteremia n The presence of bacteria in the blood.
baffle n [Wikipedia] A surgically-created tunnel or wall within the heart or major blood vessels used to redirect the flow of blood.
beta-blocker n Any of a class of drugs (such as propranolol) that decrease the rate and force of heart contractions and lower high blood pressure by blocking the activity of beta-receptors.
bigeminy n The occurrence of premature atrial or ventricular heartbeats in pairs.
bioprosthesis n Any implanted device of natural (i.e., nonsynthetic) origin designed to replace a defective body part—e.g., a porcine heart valve.
bipolar RF clamp n The bipolar radiofrequency clamp is arguably the surgeon’s best tool in developing long linear lesions on the heart without the need for cut and sew incisions.
bipolar adj Relating to or having two poles or charges.
blood pool imaging n [The Free Dictionary] Syn Cardiac blood pool scan, ejection fraction study, gated cardiac scan, radionuclide ventriculogram, wall motion study, multigated blood pool imaging (MUGA)
blood pool n Left ventricular blood pool volume. Aortic blood pool.
bradycardia n Slowness of the heart rate, usually fewer than 60 beats per minute in an adult human. Compare tachycardia
broken heart syndrome n See Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
bundle branch block n (bundle branch heart block, interventricular heart block) A defect in the electrical conduction system of the heart in which there is failure of conduction down one of the main branches of the bundle of His. On the surface electrocardiogram, the QRS complex is > 0.12 sec. and its shape is altered.
bundle of His n [Wikipedia]
cancellous adj Of a reticular, spongy, or lattice-like structure; said mainly of bone tissue.
cannulate v To insert a cannula into (a bodily cavity, duct, or vessel), as for the drainage of fluid or the administration of medication.
cannulation n Introduction of a cannula into a tubelike organ or body cavity. Syn intubation
cardiac ablation n [WebMD]
cardiac action potential n [Wikipedia]
cardiac arrest n Complete cessation of cardiac activity either electric, mechanical, or both; may be purposely induced for therapeutic reasons. Syn heart arrest
cardiac catheterization n (heart cath) The insertion of a catheter into a chamber or vessel of the heart.
cardiac electrical rotor n A type of functional reentrant activity that sustains arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF). A rotor is characterized by consistent rotational activity around a central point, often referred to as a phase singularity. This activity generates spiral waves that propagate outward from the core. The core of the rotor is an area where all excitation states converge, creating a non-excitable region. This core is surrounded by a spiral wavefront and tail, with the wavefront representing the depolarized region and the tail representing the recovering cardiomyocytes.
cardiac sarcoidosis n [WikiDoc]
cardiac tamponade n Mechanical compression of the heart resulting from large amounts of fluid collecting in the pericardial space and limiting the heart’s normal range of motion,
cardiogenic shock n Shock caused by cardiac arrest.
cardiomyopathy n [Wikipedia] A group of diseases that affect the heart muscle.
cardioneural adj Pertaining to the heart and nervous system.
cardioplegia n /ˌkɑːdɪəʊˈpliːdʒɪə/ Deliberate arrest of the action of the heart, as by hypothermia or the injection of chemicals, to enable complex heart surgery to be carried out.
cardiopoiesis n The production of cardiac muscle tissue.
cardioversion n [Mayo Clinic] A medical procedure that restores a normal heart rhythm in people with certain types of abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias). Cardioversion is usually done by sending electric shocks to your heart through electrodes placed on your chest. It’s also possible to do cardioversion with medications. Cardioversion is usually a scheduled procedure that’s performed in a hospital. [...] Cardioversion is different from defibrillation, an emergency procedure that’s performed when your heart stops or quivers uselessly. Defibrillation delivers more powerful shocks to the heart to correct its rhythm.
cath lab n [Wikipedia]
catheter ablation n (vs thoracoscopic surgical ablation) [Wikipedia]
catheter n [Wikipedia]
cavo-tricuspid isthmus n A body of fibrous tissue in the lower right atrium between the inferior vena cava, and the tricuspid valve. It is a target for ablation for treating atrial flutter.
CHA2DS2–VASc score n [Wikipedia]
Chiari network n [WikiDoc]
circumflex adj (of certain nerves, arteries, or veins) Bending or curving around.
coarctation n A narrowing or constricting, especially of the aorta or of a blood vessel.
commissure n The point or surface where two parts, such as the eyelids, lips, or cardiac valves, join or form a connection.
coronary artery bypass graft (CABG, pronounced “cabbage”) surgery [Wikipedia]
coronary calcium scan [Mayo Clinic] [Wikipedia]
coronary sinus n The dilated terminal portion of the great cardiac vein, receiving blood from other veins draining the heart muscle and emptying into the right atrium.
coronary spasm n Muscular closure of the coronary arteries, causing angina, ischemia, or myocardial infarction.
coronary stent [Wikipedia]
coronary thrombosis n Obstruction of a coronary artery by a thrombus, often leading to destruction of heart muscle.
coronary vasospasm n [WikiDoc] [Wikipedia]
coronary n 1 A heart attack, esp. a coronary thrombosis. 2 A coronary artery.
counterpulsation n A means of assisting the failing heart by automatically removing arterial blood just before and during ventricular ejection and returning it to the circulation during diastole; a balloon catheter is inserted into the aorta and activated by an automatic mechanism triggered by the ECG.
crista terminalis n [Wikipedia]
cryoablation n A process that uses extreme cold to destroy tissue.
cutdown n The surgical insertion of a catheter into a vein, as for the administration of intravenous medication.
de-identification n The process of de-identification involves removing personally identifiable information (PII), such as name and social security number, as well as protected health information (PHI), like medical history and insurance information, when processing or sharing that data.
defibrillator n An electrical device used to counteract fibrillation of the heart muscle and restore normal heartbeat by applying a brief electric shock.
deflect v To turn aside or cause to turn aside; bend or deviate.
deflectable adj Able to be deflected. Deflectable catheter.
denervation n [Wikipedia] Pulmonary artery denervation.
depolarization n [Wikipedia]
dextrocardia n Abnormal condition where the heart is located toward the right side of the chest.
diastole n /daɪˈæstəlɪ/ The dilatation of the chambers of the heart that follows each contraction, during which they refill with blood.
diverticulum n A pouch or sac branching out from a hollow organ or structure, such as the intestine. Left atrial diverticulum.
drug-eluting stent [Wikipedia]
duodecapolar catheter A type of diagnostic catheter used in electrophysiology procedures, particularly for mapping and recording electrical activity within the heart. Despite the name “duodecapolar,” which suggests 12 poles, these catheters typically have 20 electrodes, arranged in pairs to form 10 bipolar recording sites. The term “duodecapolar” is often misused; the correct term for a 20-pole catheter should be “icosapolar” or “eicosapolar.”
dyslipidemia n An abnormal concentration of lipids or lipoproteins in the blood.
dysplasia n Abnormal development or growth of tissues, organs, or cells.
dyspnea n Difficulty in breathing, often associated with lung or heart disease and resulting in shortness of breath. Also called air hunger.
echogenic adj Giving rise to reflections (echoes) of ultrasound waves.
ectasis n (ectasia) Dilation of a tubular structure.
ectatic adj Relating to, or marked by, ectasis. Ectatic coronary arteries.
ectopy n The origination of cardiac electrical impulses in myocardium outside of the sinoatrial node. Syn ectopia Mechanical ectopies.
effusion n 1 The escape of fluid from the blood vessels or lymphatics into the tissues or a cavity. 2 A collection of the fluid effused.
electrocardiogram n The graphic record produced by an electrocardiograph. Syn cardiogram
electrocardiograph n A galvanometric device that detects variations in the electric potential that triggers the heartbeat, used to evaluate the heart’s health. Syn cardiograph
electrophysiology n [Wikipedia] The branch of medical science concerned with the electrical activity associated with bodily processes.
electroporation n [Wikipedia] A process of applying a high-voltage electrical pulse to a living cell, causing temporary permeability of the cell membrane, through which a foreign material such as DNA may pass.
embolism n An obstruction in a blood vessel due to a blood clot or other foreign matter that gets stuck while traveling through the bloodstream. Cerebral embolism occurs when a blood clot from elsewhere in the circulatory system breaks free. If it becomes lodged in an artery supplying the brain, either in the brain or in the neck, it can cause a stroke. The most common cause of cerebral embolism is atrial fibrillation. In atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers (atria) of the heart beat weakly and rapidly, instead of slowly and steadily. Blood within the atria is not completely emptied. This stagnant blood may form clots within the atria, which can then break off and enter the circulation. Atrial fibrillation is a factor in about 15% of all strokes. The risk of a stroke from atrial fibrillation can be dramatically reduced with daily use of anticoagulant medication.
endocarditis n Inflammation of the endocardium.
entrain v To adjust (an internal rhythm of an organism) so that it synchronizes with an external cycle.
entrainment mapping n A technique used to diagnose and characterize reentrant cardiac arrhythmias. It involves the use of pacing maneuvers to interact with and analyze the behavior of reentrant arrhythmias. This technique helps clinicians to understand the mechanism, location, and characteristics of the reentrant circuit. During entrainment, a pacing stimulus is applied at a rate faster than the tachycardia cycle length. This pacing stimulus "entrains" the tachycardia, meaning it captures the arrhythmia circuit and forces it to follow the pacing rate. Once pacing is stopped, the post-pacing interval (PPI) is measured to determine the relationship between the pacing site and the reentrant circuit.
entrainment pacing n
etiology n (aetiology) [:scroll: [Late Latin aetiologia, from Greek aitiologiā: aitiā, cause + -logiā, -logy.] 1 The branch of medicine that deals with the causes or origins of disease. 2 The cause or origin of a disease or disorder as determined by medical diagnosis.
Eustachian ridge n
Fabry disease n [Wikipedia]
fenestration n A surgical method of making a hole in or perforating something.
fibrillation n [The Free Dictionary] A small, local, involuntary, muscular contraction, due to spontaneous activation of single muscle cells or muscle fibers.
fibroblast n /ˈfaɪ brəˌblæst/ A cell that contributes to the formation of connective tissue fibers.
fibrosis n Syn fibrotic scarring - A pathological wound healing in which connective tissue replaces normal parenchymal tissue to the extent that it goes unchecked, leading to considerable tissue remodelling and the formation of permanent scar tissue. Cardiac fibrosis can be observed in a DE-CMR scan. However, in dilated cardiomyopathy, the synonymous use of the terms LGE and fibrosis is not recommended. LGE and fibrosis are not synonymous.
first-in-class n Drugs that use a new and unique mechanism of action for treating a medical condition according to FDA 2011 Novel New Drugs.
first-in-humans study In clinical trials, the first Phase-1 study in which a test product is administered to human beings.
fluoroshot
focal atrial tachycardia n
fractional flow reserve n (FFR) A diagnostic technique used during coronary catheterization to assess the hemodynamic significance of coronary artery stenoses. FFR is defined as the ratio of the maximum blood flow achievable in a stenotic coronary artery to the maximum blood flow achievable in the same coronary artery if it were normal. It is calculated as the ratio of the pressure distal to the stenosis to the pressure proximal to the stenosis, typically aortic pressure.
French catheter scale n (French scale, French gauge) [Wikipedia] Commonly used to measure the size of a catheter. It is most often abbreviated as Fr, but can often be seen abbreviated as Fg, FR or F. The diameter of a round catheter in millimeters can be determined by dividing the French size by 3.
ganglionated plexi n The term “ganglionated” refers to the presence of ganglia, which are clusters of nerve cell bodies. “Plexi” is a plural form of “plexus,” which means a network or interweaving of nerves or blood vessels. Together, “ganglionated plexi” refers to a network of nerve cells on the heart that are involved in regulating its function.
granuloma n [WikiDoc] Noncaseating granulomas.
heart n [Wikipedia]
hematopoiesis n [Wikipedia]
hemostasis n (hemostasia, haemostasia) The stoppage of bleeding or cessation of the circulation of the blood; stagnation of the blood in a part of the body.
hibernating myocardium n [WikiDoc] Regional dysfunction of myocardial tissue due to prolonged local hypoperfusion, which is completely reversible upon restoration of adequate blood flow; hibernation occurs in pts with CAD and impairment of left ventricular function at rest.
Holter monitor n [Wikipedia]
hybrid AF ablation n Hybrid AF ablation consists of subsets of the Cox-Maze IV lesion set applied epicardially via minimally invasive thorascopically based approach followed by catheter AF ablation, which treats gaps in ablation lesions and any additional atrial reentrant circuits.
hyperkalemia n An abnormally high concentration of potassium in the blood.
hypertension n 1 Abnormally elevated arterial blood pressure. 2 Arterial disease marked by chronic high blood pressure.
hyperthyroidism n (Pathology) Overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland, causing nervousness, insomnia, sweating, palpitation, and sensitivity to heat. Also called: thyrotoxicosis.
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy n A disorder in which the heart muscle is so strong that it does not relax enough to fill with the heart with blood and so has reduced pumping ability.
hypokinesis n Diminished or slow movement. Syn hypocinesis, hypocinesia, hypomotility
hypoperfusion n Inadequate blood flow to a single organ or through the entire circulatory system.
hypotension n Abnormally low arterial blood pressure.
idiopathic adj Denoting a disease of unknown cause.
ILAM (isochronal late activation mapping) is a functional method of EAM to prioritize uncoupled and delayed local potentials in the context of the entire window of sinus rhythm during intrinsic or paced rhythm.
implantable cardioverter-defibrillator n (ICD) [Wikipedia]
infarct n An area of tissue that undergoes necrosis as a result of obstruction of local blood supply, as by a thrombus or embolus. Syn infarction
infective endocarditis n [Wikipedia] An infection of the inner surface of the heart, usually the valves.
innervate v 1 To supply (an organ or a body part) with nerves. 2 To stimulate (a nerve, muscle, or body part) to action.
inotropic adj Affecting the contraction of muscle, especially heart muscle: an inotropic drug.
interstitial adj Relating to or situated in the small, narrow spaces between tissues or parts of an organ. Myocardial interstitial space.
interventional cardiology n Branch of cardiology that deals specifically with the catheter based treatment of structural heart diseases.
intramural adj Within the walls of a cavity or hollow organ. Having a subepicardial or deep intramural substrate.
ischemia n An insufficient supply of blood to an organ, usually due to a blocked artery.
isochrone n An isogram connecting points at which something occurs or arrives at the same time.
isoelectric adj Having equal electric potential.
isogram n See isoline.
isoline n A line on a map, chart, or graph connecting points of equal value. Also called isogram.
isthmus n A relatively narrow passage or strip of tissue joining two cavities or parts of an organ. Anatomical isthmuses related to VT which may allow for individualized tailored ablation._ Characteristics of isthmus include width, length, and conduction velocity index. Isthmus entrance. This might be the isthmus of the VT. A common isthmus but different exits.
lacunar stroke n (lacunar infarct) The most common type of stroke, and results from occlusion of small penetrating arteries that provide blood to the brain’s deep structures.
late potential n Deflections found on signal-averaged electrocardiograms that follow the QRS complex and point to an increased likelihood of ventricular dysrhythmias. These deflections represent delays in electrical conduction through the ventricles.
late-breaking clinical trial A clinical trial that is initiated after the initial study protocol has been written, often in response to new information or developments that emerge during the study.
lead n /lēd/ An electrocardiographic cable with connections within the electronics of the machine designated for an electrode placed at a particular point on the body surface.
leadless adj (see _lead) Medtronic receives CE mark approval for next-generation leadless pacemakers. Medtronic is credited with inventing the wearable pacemaker in 1957 and then introducing the first MRI-compatible pacemakers to the market in 2011. The first leadless pacemakers followed in 2015.
left atrial remodeling n (LA remodeling) Structural and functional changes that occur in the left atrium, often as a result of various cardiac conditions.
left main disease A severe narrowing of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) jeopardizes a large area of myocardium and increases the risk of major adverse cardiac events.
left ventricular assist device An implanted device that boosts the output of the heart on a short-term basis, for example in people awaiting heart transplants.
macro-reentrant atrial tachycardia n
mechanically induced VT A type of ventricular tachycardia that arises from changes in the heart's mechanical environment, often due to structural remodeling or acute mechanical stimuli, which can trigger and sustain arrhythmias through mechano-electric coupling.
mesenchyme n /ˈmɛs ɛŋ kaɪm, ˈmɛz-/ Cells of mesodermal origin that are capable of developing into connective tissues, blood, and lymphatic and blood vessels. Mesenchymal origin.
metaplasia n The transformation of one kind of tissue into a different kind.
mitral annulus n A fibrous ring that is attached to the mitral valve leaflets.
mitral regurgitation n The backward flow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium of the heart, caused by incompetent closure of the mitral valve.
multifocal atrial tachycardia n (MAT) [Wikipedia] · [MedlinePlus]
myocardial infarction n Destruction of an area of heart muscle as the result of occlusion of a coronary artery.
myocarditis n Inflammation of the myocardium.
myocardium n The muscular tissue of the heart.
myocyte n A muscle cell.
myopericarditis n A combination of myocarditis and pericarditis.
myositis n Inflammation of muscle tissue.
no reflow phenomenon n (no-reflow phenomenon) Deficient reperfusion of previously ischemic tissue even though the lumen of the artery that irrigates the territory has been opened.
noncompaction cardiomyopathy n (non-compaction cardiomyopathy) [Wikipedia]
noncontrast adj Without the use of a contrast medium. Noncontrast CT imaged.
oximetry n A device for measuring the oxygen saturation of arterial blood, especially a pulse oximeter.
pacemaker n a A part of the body, such as the mass of muscle fibers of the sinoatrial node, that sets the pace or rhythm of physiological activity. b Any of several usually miniaturized and surgically implanted electronic devices used to stimulate or regulate contractions of the heart muscle.
pacemapping n An electrophysiologic technique designed to help locating tachycardia sources by stimulating at different endocardial sites in order to reproduce the clinical tachycardia characteristics.
palpitation n A heartbeat that is unusually rapid, strong, or irregular enough to make a person aware of it, usually over 120 beats per minute, as opposed to the normal 60 to 100 per minute.
paravalvular regurgitation A condition in which blood leaks around the edge of a heart valve, typically after the valve has been repaired or replaced.
paravalvular adj Surrounding or adjacent to a heart valve.
paroxysm n A severe attack or a sudden increase in intensity of a disease, usually recurring periodically.
paroxysmal adj Accompanied by or of the nature of paroxysms. Paroxysmal versus permanent AF.
patency n The state or quality of being open, expanded, or unblocked.
patent foramen ovale n [Wikipedia] · [Hopkins Medicine]
pathogenesis n The origin, development, and resultant effects of a disease.
pathophysiology n The study of the effects of disease on physiological processes.
perfusion n [Wikipedia] “Poor perfusion (malperfusion), that is, ischemia, causes health problems, as seen in cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease, and many other conditions.”
pericardial effusion n The accumulation of an abnormally large amount of pericardial fluid in the pericardium.
pericarditis n Inflammation of the pericardium.
pericardium n The closed, saclike structure surrounding the heart in vertebrate animals and in man.
perioperative adj Pertaining or relating to the period of time surrounding a surgical procedure, including the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods.
photoplethysmogram n [Wikipedia]
phrenic nerve n A major branch of the cervical plexus, extending through the thorax to provide innervation of the diaphragm. Nerve impulses from the inspiratory center in the brain travel down it, causing contraction of the diaphragm, so that inhalation can occur.
placebo procedure n
polymorphic ventricular tachycardia n A form of ventricular tachycardia in which there are multiple ventricular foci with the resultant QRS complexes varying in amplitude, axis and duration. The commonest cause of PVT is myocardial ischaemia.
PR interval n [Wikipedia]
prolapse n A condition in which organs fall down or slip out of place. It is used for organs protruding through the vagina, rectum, or for the misalignment of the valves of the heart. A spinal disc herniation is also sometimes called “disc prolapse.”
pseudoaneurysm n The preferred term for a false aneurysm in which the saccular dilation (“aneurysm”) does not involve all of the vessel wall layers.
pulmonary artery denervation A novel therapeutic approach being explored for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, particularly in cases where the condition is secondary to left heart disease. It involves the disruption or ablation of sympathetic nerve fibers around the pulmonary arteries. The procedure typically uses catheter-directed techniques, such as thermal ablation or ultrasonic energy, to target the sympathetic nerves in the pulmonary artery walls.
pulmonary edema n Extensive LA radiofrequency ablation bears the risk of a severe pulmonary edema.
pulmonary embolism A condition in which an embolus (blood clot, formed in a vein) breaks off and blocks a pulmonary artery which supplies blood to the lungs. It can result in pain, breathlessness, and sudden death.
pulmonary vein isolation n Another name for pulmonary vein ablation, a surgical procedure to treat atrial fibrillation.
pulmonic regurgitation n Backflow of blood from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle, owing to insufficiency of the pulmonic valve.
Purkinje fibers n [Wikipedia]
PV stenosis n “Back in the early days of catheter ablation, pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis was an all too frequent complication, because ablations were often done inside the PVs. Today’s ablations are performed at the PV openings or in the antrum area where there is much less chance of swelling or stenosis blocking a PV. From 1998 to 2005 there was a huge difference in the severity of PV stenosis due to EPs learning to ablate outside the PVs.”
QRS complex n (ventricular depolarization) An electrocardiographic complex consisting of the Q, R, and S waves, representing propagation of a wave of depolarization over the ventricles.
quantitative computed tomography n (QCT) [Wikipedia] A medical technique that measures bone mineral density (BMD) using a standard X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) scanner with a calibration standard to convert Hounsfield Units (HU) of the CT image to bone mineral density values.
R-R interval The time elapsing between two consecutive R waves in the electrocardiogram.
Rassi score
refractory adj Resistant to treatment.
reperfusion n /rē′pər-fyo͞o′zhən/ The restoration of blood flow to an organ or tissue that has had its blood supply cut off, as after a heart attack.
resorption n The dissolution or assimilation of a substance, as bone tissue, by biochemical activity. A process of myocyte resorption.
restenosis n The reoccurrence of stenosis in a blood vessel or heart valve after it has been treated with apparent success. Relapse to the narrowed state, as may happen in a coronary artery following successful widening by balloon angioplasty. Stenting is commonly used to prevent restenosis.
retrograde approach n Two ways to reach the LV: in the transseptal approach, the doctor inserts the catheter into the LV through veins, starting in the upper leg; in the retrograde approach, the doctor inserts the catheter through a small artery in the upper leg. The catheter travels through the aorta to reach the LV.
retrograde conduction n (VA conduction, ventriculoatrial conduction) The conduction backward phenomena in the heart, where the conduction comes from the ventricles or from the AV node into and through the atria.
rotoblation n (rotablation, rotoablation) Drilling through the core of a plaque obstructing a blood vessel to improve blood flow to the organ supplied by the vessel; rotational atherectomy.
sarcoidosis n A disease of unknown origin that is characterized by the formation of granulomatous lesions especially in the lungs and lymph nodes of the chest and trunk, and less often in the skin, eyes, and other organs, and that if untreated may lead to chronic illness and organ damage.
scar dechanneling n A technique used in the catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) to target and eliminate conducting channels within scar tissue in the heart. It involves identifying and ablating the entrance sites of activation channels within the scar tissue. These channels are often associated with late potentials, which are abnormal electrical signals that can contribute to VT.
secondary prevention of coronary artery disease n [WikiDoc]
Seldinger technique n [Wikipedia] A medical procedure to obtain safe access to blood vessels and other hollow organs.
Senning procedure n [Wikipedia] An atrial switch heart operation performed to treat transposition of the great arteries.
sensitivity n [Wikipedia] The ability of a test to correctly identify patients with a disease.
septum n A thin wall or membrane that separates two parts, structures, or individual organisms. The chambers of the heart are separated by septa.
sham procedure n
sinoatrial node n [Wikipedia] A small mass of specialized cardiac muscle fibers located in the posterior wall of the right atrium of the heart that acts as a pacemaker by generating at regular intervals the electric impulses of the heartbeat. Syn SA node, sinoauricular node, sinus node, cardiac pacemaker, pacemaker
sinus rhythm n [Wikipedia]
sinus n A recess, cavity, or channel, such as one in bone or a dilated channel for venous blood.
specificity n [Wikipedia] The ability of a test to correctly identify people without the disease.
ST elevation n [Wikipedia]
standard of care A medical or psychological treatment guideline, and can be general or specific. It specifies appropriate treatment based on scientific evidence and collaboration between medical and/or psychological professionals involved in the treatment of a given condition.
statin n [WikiDoc] Any of a class of drugs, including atorvastatin and simvastatin, that lower the levels of low-density lipoproteins in the blood by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver.
steam pop n Steam pop refers to the audible sound produced by intramyocardial explosion when tissue temperature reaches 100°C, leading to the production of gas. It is a potentially severe complication of radiofrequency ablation because it has been associated with cardiac perforation and ventricular septal defect.
stress cardiomyopathy MRI n (stress CMR) [WikiDoc]
stress cardiomyopathy n See Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
stroke volume n [Wikipedia] The volume of blood pumped from a ventricle of the heart in one beat.
stroke n The sudden death of brain cells in a localized area due to inadequate blood flow.
structural heart disease n (structural cardiac disease) A collection of heart diseases that includes heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart disease.
stunned myocardium n [WikiDoc] [Wikipedia] Impaired myocardial contractile performance following a period of ischemia and ultimately reversible.
subacute adj 1 Somewhat or moderately acute: subacute sepals. 2 Between acute and chronic: subacute endocarditis.
subendocardial adj Beneath the endocardium. Subendocardial ischemia is ischemia that is not transmural.
substrate n
sudden death n An unexpected or quick death.
tachycardia n A rapid heart rate, especially one above 100 beats per minute in an adult. Compare bradycardia
tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy [Wikipedia] A disease where prolonged tachycardia or arrhythmia causes an impairment of the myocardium (heart muscle), which can result in heart failure.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy n (Takotsubo syndrome, stress cardiomyopathy) [Wikipedia]
thoracoscopic surgical ablation n (vs catheter ablation) A a minimally invasive procedure used to treat AF. It consists of three steps: 1 Radio-frequency (energy) waves destroy the heart cells which are disrupting the electrical pathway. This helps restore the heart’s normal signalling abilities. 2 Some nerves around the heart are also destroyed as part of the treatment. 3 A piece of muscle called the left atrial appendage is removed. From the article Catheter ablation vs. thoracoscopic surgical ablation in long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation: CASA-AF randomized controlled trial: “Single procedure thoracoscopic SA is not superior to CA in treating LSPAF. Catheter ablation provided greater improvements in symptoms and accrued significantly more QALYs during follow-up than SA..”
thromboembolism n The blocking of a blood vessel by a blood clot dislodged from its site of origin.
thrombolysis n Dissolution or destruction of a thrombus.
Torsades de pointes n A specific type of abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to sudden cardiac death.
transcatheter adj Performed through the lumen of a catheter.
transient adj For a short time only; temporary or transitory. Transient lesions.
transmural myocardial infarction n Infarction that involves the whole thickness of the heart muscle from endocardium to epicardium.
transmural necrosis n A symptom‐to‐balloon time of >121 minutes causes a high grade of transmural necrosis.
transseptal approach n Two ways to reach the LV: in the transseptal approach, the doctor inserts the catheter into the LV through veins, starting in the upper leg; in the retrograde approach, the doctor inserts the catheter through a small artery in the upper leg. The catheter travels through the aorta to reach the LV.
transseptal puncture n The LA is the most difficult cardiac chamber to access percutaneously. Although it can be reached via the LV and mitral valve, manipulation of catheters that have made two 180° turns is cumbersome. The transseptal puncture permits a direct route to the LA via the intra-atrial septum and systemic venous system.
transseptal adj Extending or performed through or across a septum.
tricuspid regurgitation n Backflow of blood from the right ventricle into the right atrium, owing to imperfect functioning of the tricuspid valve.
troponin n [Wikipedia] Troponin, or the troponin complex, is a complex of three regulatory proteins (troponin C, troponin I, and troponin T) that are integral to muscle contraction in skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle, but not smooth muscle. [...] A person who recently had a myocardial infarction would have an area of damaged heart muscle and elevated cardiac troponin levels in the blood.
tunneled adj Placed surgically beneath the skin or into deeper tissues, e.g., into the intestinal wall. A tunneled catheter, e.g., is one that enters a vein through an incision made in the skin near the vein but then is passed through subcutaneous tissues to a second incision distant from the first. Tissue that surrounds the passage through which the catheter passes heals tightly around the catheter, holding it in place. Unlike non-tunneled catheters, tunneled catheters can remain in place for many months. They are used for intravenous infusions, the administration of chemotherapy, hemodialysis, and blood drawing.
unipolar adj Having, acting by means of, or produced by a single magnetic or electric pole.
unremarkable adj Lacking distinction; ordinary.
valvular regurgitation n Backflow of blood through the orifice of one of the heart valves owing to imperfect closing of the valve.
valvuloplasty n Plastic surgery to repair a valve, especially a heart valve.
vector n A carrier, especially the animal (usually an arthropod) that transfers an infective agent from one host to another. Chagas disease usually has a vector-borne transmission.
vein of Marshall n The oblique vein of the left atrium (oblique vein of Marshall) is a small vessel which descends obliquely on the back of the left atrium and ends in the coronary sinus near its left extremity.
ventricular aneurysm n Ventricular aneurysms are one of the many complications that may occur after a heart attack. The word aneurysm refers to a bulge or ‘pocketing’ of the wall or lining of a vessel commonly occurring in the blood vessels at the base of the septum, or within the aorta.
ventricular fibrillation n [Mayo Clinic] An often fatal form of arrhythmia characterized by rapid, irregular fibrillar twitching of the ventricles of the heart in place of normal contractions, resulting in a loss of pulse.
ventricular remodeling n [Wikipedia] In cardiology, ventricular remodeling (or cardiac remodeling) refers to changes in the size, shape, structure, and function of the heart. This can happen as a result of exercise (physiological remodeling) or after injury to the heart muscle (pathological remodeling).
ventricular tachycardia isthmus(es) n The activation map of the VT is shown with the full circuit from the entrance to the exit sites, passing through the VT isthmus, which is delimited by two lateral boundaries of conduction block.
ventricular tachycardia n [Wikipedia]
ventriculogram n An image of the cardiac ventricles, used to estimate ejection fraction and assess wall motion.
viable myocardium n [Wikiecho: myocardial viability] Myocardium which due to ischaemia does not contract normally at rest but has the potential to recover its function, either by itself over time or after revascularisation. The same part of the ventricular wall can have a mixture of necrotic tissue and viable myocardium.
VT burden n The number of sustained VT episodes or appropriate ICD interventions per year. The reduction of VT burden was calculated as follows: 1–(no. of VT episodes in period post ablation/no. of VT episodes in same period pre-ablation).
VT/VF storm n Generally defined as three or more episodes of VF or sustained VT within 24 hours.
Wenckebach block n (AKA Mobitz type I second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block) A specific type of conduction disorder affecting the heart's electrical system, where the electrical signals from the atria to the ventricles are progressively delayed until one signal is completely blocked, resulting in a skipped beat.
Wiggers diagram [Wikipedia]
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome n [Wikipedia]
workup n A thorough medical diagnostic examination including laboratory tests and x-rays.
xenotransplantation n A surgical procedure in which tissue or whole organs are transfered from one species to another species. Cardiac xenotransplantation.