GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ACRONYM EXPANSIONS FOR PERFUSION TECHNOLOGY, OPEN HEART SURGERY AND CARDIOLOGY


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The following list of perfusion technology terms is offered as a service to the community by the Cardiovascular Perfusion Education Program & Life Support Departments of the Medical University of South Carolina.

If you do not find the term or acronym that you are looking for, or perhaps you disagree with a definition or have coined a new term or acronym, please contact Jeffrey R. Acsell CCP with your request to include a term or abbreviation in this glossary, or for further information on a term, leave your e-mail address and you will be contacted.


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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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[ ]:
Symbol for concentration, usually expressed as moles per liter (M/l). [H+] = Hydrogen ion concentration

A


a-:
away from, opposite
AAA (triple A):
abdominal aortic aneurysm
AACP:
American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion
A-aDO2:
alveolar arterial oxygen gradient
ABCP:
American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion; the national body regulating and managing certification (CCP) of perfusion technologists
abd.:
abdomen
ABG:
arterial blood gas, a collection of pO2, pCO2, pH, BE and HB SaO2 measurements from an arterial blood sample
ABO blood group system:
the most important of several systems for classifying human blood used in transfusion therapy
ACE:
angiotensin-converting enzyme
acid:
A substance which can donate H+. Large amounts are produced in the body as a by product of metabolism and to aid digestion. H2CO3 is a volatile acid that can be removed from the body as CO2 by the lungs. Nonvolatile acids such as lactic acid are produced in small amounts by metabolism and are removed by the kidneys. (the lungs excrete approximately 13,000 mEq of H2CO3 in the form of CO2 per day, the kidneys eliminate 50 - 100 mEq of nonvolatile acids per day) Excess acids are harmful to the body because they increase the [H+] which interferes with the bodys normal cellular and chemical function.
acid-base balance:
the maintanence of a normal level of acid and base in the blood and plasma
acidemia:
abnormally high level of acid in the blood, low pH (< 7.35)
acidosis:
a pathologic condition resulting from accumulation of acid in, or loss of base from the body
ACLS:
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
ACT:
activated clotting time
ACTH:
adrenocorticotropic hormone
acute myocardial infarction:
an acute process of myocardial ischemia with sufficient severity and duration to result in permanent myocardial damage
ADP:
adenosine diphosphate
adventitia:
the outside coat of a tissue or structure (see t. adventitia)
AF bypass:
aortofemoral bypass
affinity:
the force of attraction holding two elements together, such as hemoglobin affinity for oxygen
A Fib:
atrial fibrillation
A Flt:
atrial flutter
agglutination:
the process of blood cells clumping together as result of antibody interactions
AI:
aorticinsufficiency: aortic valvular incompetence: failure of the aortic valve to close during diastole causing back flow into the left ventricle
AICD:
automatic internal cardioverter/defibrillator
AIDS :
acquired immune deficiency syndrome; a serious, fatal condition in which the immune system is broken down by the HIV virus and does not respond normally to infections
AIVR:
accelerated idioventricular rhythm
A-line:
arterial line
alkalemia:
an arterial blood pH above normal (> 7.45) due to abnormally high base to acid ratio in the blood
alkalosis:
a pathologic condition resulting from accumulation of base in, or loss of acid from the body
allograft:
tissue graft from animal of the same species, not same genotype
alpha stat:
ventilation scheme where the total CO2 remains constant as temperature falls and the non-temperature corrected ABG appears normal. So called because it keeps the alpha imidazole moiety of histadine in the alpha charge state. This promotes respiratory alkalosis (about 0.01465 pH units per oC rise; Rosenthal Correction Factor) in the CPB blood.
ALT:
see SGPT
alveoli:
the small, sac-like structural unit of the lung where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide
AMP:
adenosine monophosphate
AmSECT:
American Society of Extra-Corporeal Technology; the largest professional organization representing perfusion technologists
anaphylactic shock:
a severe hypersensitivity reaction to the injection or ingestion of a substance to which the organism has been previously exposed
ancrod:
anticoagulant derived from Malayan pit viper venom, depletes fibrinogen
aneurysm:
the abnormal dilation or out-pouching of a blood vessel or ventricle
anginapectoris:
a clinical syndrome typically characterized by a deep, poorly localized chest or arm discomfort that is reproducibly associated with physical exertion or emotional stress and relieved promptly by rest or sublingual NTG.
angiographically significant CAD:
CAD is typically judged "significant" at coronary angiography if there is at least a 70 percent diameter stenosis of one or more major epicardial coronary segments or at least a 50 percent diameter stenosis of the left main coronary artery
antegrade:
with the normal direction of flow
anti-:
against, or opposed to
antibody :
a complex molecule produced by specialized cells in response to the presence of an antigen
anticoagulant:
any agent that inhibits coagulation , see; heparin, ancrod, hirudin
antigen:
any substance percieved as foreign by the body that induces antibody production
anxiolytic therapy:
treatment to counteract or diminish anxiety
A&Ox3:
alert and oriented to person place and time
aorta:
the large single artery arising from the left ventricle carrying blood to the systemic circulation
aortic:
of or pertaining to the aorta
aortic atresia :
small or undeveloped aortic valve
aortic valve:
the semilunar valve separating the left ventricle from the aorta that prevents backflow of blood into the ventricle
aortotomy :
a surgical incision into the aorta
apheresis:
the separation or removal of a blood component or chemical to treat a disease or condition
aPPT:
activated partial thromboplastin time
AR:
aortic regurgitation, aortic insufficiency (AI)
ARDS:
adult respiratory distress syndrome; a disease process where the patient's lung fail to remove sufficient carbon dioxide and provide sufficient oxygen during ventilation
ARF:
acute renal failure
arrhythmia:
irregularity or loss of rhythm of the heartbeat
ART:
arterial
arteriole:
a small artery branching off of an artery giving rise to the capillary network
arteriosclerosis:
the process thickening and loss of elasticity in the walls of arteries
artery:
a blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart; arteries usually carry oxygenated blood
AS:
aortic valvular stenosis:narrowing of the normal aortic valve area causing a pressure drop across the aortic valve during ventricular systole
ASA:
aspirin
ASD:
atrial septal defect,
ASCVP:
Australasian Society of Cardiovascular Perfusionists, represents all perfusionists in Australia and New Zealand
ASPVD:
atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease
AST:
see SGOT
ASV:
autogenous saphenous vein
ATIII:
antithrombin III, an albumin cofactor that normally binds free thrombin in the blood, heparin catalyzes the anti-thrombin action of ATIII 1000 times normal
atherosclerosis:
a form of arteriosclerosis in which atheromas containing cholesterol, lipoid material and lipophages are formed within the intima and inner media of large and medium-sized arteries
ATN:
acute tubular necrosis:ischemic damage to the tubule cells of the kidney causing renal failure
ATP:
adenosine triphosphate
atrial:
of or referring to the atrium or atria
atrialization:
appearing or becoming atrial like
atrium:
a chamber affording entrance to another structure or organ;
r. atrium the upper right cardiac chamber that receives blood from the venae cavae and delivers blood to the right ventricle
l. atrium the upper left cardiac chamber that receives blood from the pulmonary veins and delivers blood to the left ventricle (pleural form is atria)
ATS:
autotransfusion system; an extracorporeal circuit designed to collect a patient's shed blood during a surgical procedure and reinfuse the blood back to the patient; blood may be collected by pre-donation, intraoperative salvage or post operative wound drainage
autograft:
tissue graft from self
autologous:
referring to self, or tissue coming from the self
autoregulation:
the ability of an organ system to dilate or constrict the arteriols that enter it in order to control the blood flow to the organ to meet it's metabolic needs
AV:
1. atrioventricular;
2. aortic valve;
3. arterio venous
AVA:
aortic valve area
AVB:
atrio-ventricular block
AV canal:
atrioventricular canal
AV node:
atrioventricular node
AVG:
aortic valve gradient
AVR:
aortic valve replacement; open heart surgery to replace a diseased aortic valve with a prosthetic, artificial valve

B


base:
a substance capable of accepting or binding a hydrogen ion (H+) in a chemical reaction; The bicarbonate ion [HCO3-] is the most important base in the body.
base excess (BE):
a measurement of the total acid base ratio; the difference between the actual blood buffer concentration and the normal blood buffer concentration, reflects mainly the [HCO3-] in the plasma compaired with the expected [HCO3-].
BB:
blood buffer , the sum of all of the plasma and RBC blood buffer systems: bicarbonate, hemoglobin, phosphate and proteins that serve to prevent changes in the pH of the blood
BBB:
bundle branch block
beta blocker (beta-adrenergic blocking agent):
a drug that blocks the effect of catecholamines, producing a decrease in heart rate and oxygen demand in the myocardium
bicarbonate [HCO3-]:
the most common base found in the plasma and RBC
BiVAD:
bi-ventricular assist device; the use of two blood propulsion devices or ECCs to assist the failing right and left ventricles
blood volume:
the amount of blood circulating throughout the body in the vascular system
Blood Gas (ABG):
Laboratory test that usually includes the pH, pO2, pCO2, Total CO2, HCO3-, BE, Hb Saturation, HCT, and possibly the K+, Ca++, and Glucose.

Normal Adult Values:
Source HWD ZWD MUSC Lab
pH arterial 7.35-7.45 7.38-7.42 7.350-7.450
venous 7.320-7.420
pCO2 arterial 35-48(mmHg) 38-42(mmHg) 35-45(mmHg)
venous 41-51(mmHg)
pO2 arterial 80-100(mmHg)
venous 25-40(mmHg)
[HCO3 - 23-28(mEq/L) 22-26(mEq/L) 22-26(mEq/L)
[K+] serum 3.4-5.3(mEq/L)
[Na+] serum 136-146(mEq/L)
[Cl-] serum 95-105(mEq/L)

Horace W. Davenport, The ABC of Acid-Base Chemistry (sixth edition) The University of Chicago Press 1974

Zagelbaum, Welch, Doyle. Basic Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation. Little Brown and Company 1988


BLS:
basic life support
BMR:
basal metabolic rate
bohr effect:
the influence of carbon dioxide on the affinity of hemoglobin to bind with oxygen, increasing the carbon dioxide level decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen
BPG:
bypass graft
BPM:
beats per minute
bronchioles / bronchi:
the tubes or airways for the lungs that lead from the trachea to the alveoli
BSA:
body surface area (usually in square meters)
BSBE:
breath sounds bilateral and equal
BTBV:
beat to beat variability
BT Shunt :
Blalock-Taussig Shunt .
BQ:
blood flow
buffer:
a chemical system that prevents change in concentration of another chemical substance; a substance which acts in a solution to resist any change in pH of the solution when acid or base is added; the combination strong acid and a week conjugate base.
Percentage of Buffers in Whole Blood
Hemoglobin & Oxyhemoglobin 35%
Phosphate 5%
Plasma Proteins 7%
Total non-bicarbonate - 47%
Plasma Bicarbonate 35%
RBC Bicarbonate 18%
Total bicarbonate - 53%
TOTAL BUFFER 100%


BUN:
blood urea nitrogen
bundle branch block:
An ECG change characterized by an intraventricular conduction delay affecting the left ventricular wall and septum. Acute occurrences most commonly result from myocardial ischemia.
BVH:
biventricular hypertrophy

C


CABG:
coronary artery bypass graft
CABRI:
coronary artery bypass revascularization investigation
CAD:
coronary artery disease
calcium channel blocker:
drug that blocks entry of calcium into cells and inhibits the contractility of smooth muscle, resulting in dilation of blood vessels and reduction in blood pressure
cannula(e):
tubes or catheters placed in the great vessels or cardiac chambers to allow decompression or selective propulsion of blood flow to the structure or vessel
capillaries:
the smallest blood vessels in the body that connect arterioles and venules
(CO2)carbon dioxide:
a colorless, odorless nonflammable produced in respiration, and given off by the tissue to the blood
carbonic acid(H2CO3):
an weak acid resulting from the reaction of H20 and CO2 to form H2CO3 which dissociates into H+ and HCO3-
carbonic anhydrase :
an enzyme found primarily in the kidney and red blood cells that accelerates the reversible reaction of H20 and CO2 to form H2CO3-
cardiac:
of or referring to the heart
cardiac mortality:
death due to cardiac cause
cardiac catheterization:
passage of a catheter into the heart through a blood vessel leading to the heart for the purpose of measuring intracardiac pressure abnormalities, obtaining cardiac blood samples, and/or imaging cardiac structures by injection of radio-opaque dye
cardiac output:
the volume of blood displaced by the left ventricle over one minute
cardiac index:
cardiac output normalized to body surface area or body weight
cardiogenic shock:
failure to maintain blood supply to the tissues because of inadequate cardiac output, such as may be caused in myocardial infarction
cardiomegaly:
hypertrophy of the heart
cardiomyopathy:
a general diagnostic term designating primary myocardial disease
cardioplegia:
1. interruption of myocardial contraction, as by use of chemical compounds or cold in cardiac surgery
2. a solution infused into the heart to interrupt myocardial contraction
cardiopulmonary:
pertaining to the heart and lungs
cardiopulmonary bypass :
use of an extracorporeal circuit to circulate blood around the heart and lungs
cardiopulmonary resuscitation:
an emergency measure to maintain a person's breathing and heartbeat when they have stopped as a result of myocardial infarction, trauma, or other disorder.
cardiotomy:
1. surgical opening in the heart
2. component of extracorporeal circuit serving as a reservoir for blood
carotid:
referring to the large arteries in the neck carrying blood to the brain and scalp
catecholamine :
any of a group of sympathomimetic amines (including dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine)
cath:
catheterization
CAVH:
continuous arterio-venous hemofiltration
CBC:
complete blood count
CCP:
Certified Cardiovascular Perfusionist; the professional credential for the certified perfusion technologist
CCSC:
Canadian Cardiovascular Society Classification
CCU:
coronary care unit
cerebral:
referring to the cerebellium or brain
CHD:
congenital heart disease
CHF:
congestive heart failure
cholesterol :
chol, a monatomic alcohol found in animal fats and oils, bile, blood , brain tissue, milk, egg yolk, myelin sheaths of nerves, liver, kidneys and adrenal glands, increased blood levels of which are a risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):
group of conditions in which the patient has an expiratory airflow obstruction such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema
CI:
1. cardiac index,
2. confidence interval
circ art:
circumflex artery
CK:
creatinine kinase
clot:
see thrombus
CMV:
cytomegalovirus
CO:
cardiac output
c/o:
complaining of
coag:
coagulation
coar/Ao:
coarctation of the aorta
colloidal osmotic pressure (COP) :
the osmotic force due to the presence of proteins or other large molecular weight substances
co-morbidity:
concomitant but unrelated pathologic or disease process,usually used to indicate coexistence of two or more disease processes.
compensation:
the process where one acid base imbalance offsets another imbalance in an effort to bring the pH back within normal limits. Ex. metabolic acidosis with a [HCO3-] less than 22 mEq/L causes tachypnea causing a pCO2 less than 35 mmHg (respiratory alkalosis)
congestive heart failure :
failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation of blood.
COP:
colloidal osmotic pressure
COPD:
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
cor:
heart
coronary :
encircling in the manner of a crown; especially to the arteries of the heart,and by extension, to pathologic involvement of them
coronary sinus:
the opening into the right atrium to which the veins of the left coronary circulation drain
coronary artery bypass graft :
vein or artery grafted surgically to permit blood to travel from the aorta to a branch of the coronary artery at a point past an obstruction.
coronary artery disease (CAD):
Although a number of disease processes other than atherosclerosis can involve coronary arteries, in this guideline the term CAD refers to the atherosclerotic narrowing of the major epicardial coronary arteries.
coronary thrombus:
blood clot that obstructs a blood vessel of the heart
coronary stenosis:
narrowing or constriction of any arteries, orifices or chambers leading into or from the heart
C/P:
cardiopulmonary
CPB:
cardiopulmonary bypass
CPK:
creatine phosphokinase
CPR:
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Cr:
creatinine
Cr cl:
creatinine clearance
CRF:
chronic renal failure
CRI:
chronic renal insufficiency
cross-matching:
the mixing of a donor's blood with a potential recepient's blood to test for compatibility
cryoprecipitate:
the thin white layer obtained from freezing and thawing blood
CTICU:
cardiothoracic intensive care unit
CVP:
central venous pressure
cx:
circumflex artery
CXR:
chest x-ray

D


D1 or D2:
diagonal branch of the LAD artery
D5W:
dextrose 5% in water
DBP:
diastolic blood pressure
D/C:
discontinue / discharge
Defib:
defibrillate
DHCA:
deep hypothermic circulatory arrest
dialysis :
the process of separating crystalloids and colloids in solution by the difference in their rates of diffusion through a semipermeable membrane, used to remove metabolites and toxins from body fluids
diastole :
referring to the period of time during relaxation of the ventricle(s)
DILV:
double inlet left ventricle
DIC:
disseminated intravascular coagulapathy; an abnormal process that occurs when clot formation and clot lysis occurs simultaneously in the microcirculation
diffusion :
the spontaneous mixing of the molecules of two or more substances from an area of high concentration to low, resulting from random thermal motion: it's rate is proportional to the concentrations of the substances and increases with the temperature
DKS:
Damus-Kaye-Stansel
DM:
diabetes mellitus
DORV:
double outlet right ventricle
DOLV:
double outlet left ventricle
DOE:
dyspnea on exertion
DVT:
deep venous thrombosis
dx:
diagnosis
dyspnea :
shortness of breath, difficulty breathing

E


EAST:
Emory Angioplasty Study Trial
ECA:
external carotid artery
ECC:
extra-corporeal circulation (or circuit); the propulsion of blood outside the body to perform an artificial organ function
ECCO2R:
extra-corporeal carbon dioxide removal; the agressive removal of carbon dioxide from a portion of the venous blood before it enters the right atrium to provide support to a patient in respiratory failure
ECD:
endocardial cushion defect
ECG :
electrocardiogram
ECHO:
echocardiogram
echocardiography:
the process of reflecting ultrasound doppler signals off the heart and surrounding anatomical structures to visualize cardiac activity and structure, and acilitate diagnosis
ECMO:
extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; the process of propelling blood outside the body (often in neonates, or newborns) to perform artificial ventilation of the blood with a blood oxygenator that allows for diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide across a continuous membrane material separating gas and blood
ECT:
Extracorporeal Circulation Technology; the study of maintaining blood flow outside the body to perform artificial organ(s) functions
-ectomy:
to surgically excise
EEG:
electroencephalogram
EF:
ejection fraction; the percent of the left ventricular volume that is ejected in one cardiac contraction; stroke volume divided by ventricular end-diastolic volume
ejection fraction (EF):
the percent of the left ventricular volume that is ejected in one cardiac contraction; stroke volume divided by ventricular end-diastolic volume
EKG:
electrocardiogram
embolus:
a small solid particle or gas bubble that is carried in the blood flow stream; (plural is emboli)
EMT:
1. emergency medical transport;
2. emergency medical technitian
endothelium :
the monocellular lining of blood vessels, heart and lymphatic system
erthrocyte :
a mature red blood cell that contains molecular hemoglobin
erythropoiesis:
the process by which the bone marrow produces red blood cells and other cellular elements
ET:
endotrachial tube
exercise tolerance testing:
stress test, a diagnostic test in which the patient exercises on a treadmill, bicycle, or other equipment while heart activity is monitored by an ECG.
extracorporeal:
outside the body
extravascular:
outside the vascular system, or fluid that is contained in the interstitial space

F


FFP:
fresh frozen plasma; the non-cellular component of donor blood that is removed and frozen for later transfusion to treat hypocoagulable states
FTT:
failure to thrive
fibrin :
the insoluble protein formed in the blood to produce clot by the action of thrombin on fibrinogen
fibrinogen :
the protein produced in the liver, present in the blood that is the precursor to fibrin in the clotting process
fistula:
a duct or other passage formed surgically or by the imperfect closing of a wound or abscess and leading either to the body surface or to another holow organ
AV fistula - a fistula connecting an artery and vein bypassing the capillary bed, often surgically placed in patients undergoing renal dialysis
FiO2:
fraction of inspired oxygen, the percent concentration of oxygen in the gas entering the lungs, ventilator or a blood oxygenator

G


GEA :
gastroepiploic artery
GI:
gastrointestinal
GME:
gaseous microemboli; a small embolus of gas that is carried in the blood flow stream
great vessels:
the large arteries and veins arising from the heart and pericardium
GTT:
glucose tolerance test

H


H+:
hydrogen ion, also known as a proton
haldane effect:
the influence of oxygen on the affinity of hemoglobin to bind with carbon dioxide, increasing the oxygen level decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for carbon dioxide
[HCO2-]:
bicarbonate ion concentration in mEq/L. The bicarbonate ion is the most important base in the body. The amount of HCO2- in the blood is expressed in mEq/L and is regulated by the kidneys. The kidneys regulate the [HCO2-] by increasing or decreasing the resorption of HCO2- in the renal tubule. The HCO2- is the metabolic component of the acid-base balance. The normal [HCO2-] is maintained between 22 - 26 mEq/L with a mean of 24 mEq/L
hct:
hematocrit
HCTZ:
hydrochlorothiazide, (type of diuretic)
hematocrit :
the percent of the blood which is cellular elements, normally 35 - 43 %
hemo-:
referring to blood
hemoconcentration:
the process of removing fluid and electrolytes from the blood to increase the concentration of hemoglobin and red blood cells
hemodialysis:
the separation of waste products from the blood by osmosis across a semi-permeable membrane
hemodilution:
the decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood
hemodynamic instability:
i nstability of the blood pressure.
hemoglobin :
the red pigmented complex protein found in the red blood cells that functions to carry oxygen and carbon dioxide
hemolysis :
the freeing of hemoglobin from the inside of the red blood cell by normal breakdown or mechanical destruction
hemostasis :
the cessation of bleeding through normal coagulation or by surgical procedure
Henderson - Hasselbach equation:
pH = pK + log [HCO2-]/[CO2d][H2CO3]
pH = pK + log [HCO2-]/(0.03 * pCO2)
(The carbon dioxide solubility coefficient 0.03 converts pCO2 in mmHg to mm/L, the pK is 6.10 at 37oC). Relates the ratio of the metabolic component to the respiratory component.
heparin :
a negatively charged polysaccharide normally found in lung or gut mucosa that naturally prolongs the time it takes blood to clot by catalyzing anti-thrombin III
hepatic :
pertaining to the liver
hepatitis:
inflammation of the liver usually caused by a virus transmitted by contact or blood transfusion
hepatomegaly:
enlargement of the liver
heterograft:
see xenograft
heterologous:
referring to a different species, or tissue coming from a different species
heterothermic:
cold blooded; poikilothermic; animals whose body temperature changes with the environment
Hgb:
hemoglobin
hirudin :
coagulation inhibitor isolated from leeches, inhibits thrombin without requiring ATIII
HIV:
human immunodeficency virus; a retrovirus that converts RNA to DNA and inserts it in the host cell, and is responsible for the fatal disease AIDS
HLHS :
hyperplastic left heart syndrome; congenital defect characterized by atretic underdeveloped or absent left ventricle
HMD:
hyaline membrane disease
H/O:
history of
homeostasis:
the maintanence of a normal state of balance in a physiologic system
homeothermic:
warm blooded; animals whose body temperature are maintained within a narrow range by its metabolic processes
homograft:
see allograft
homologous:
referring to the same species, or tissue coming from the same species
HR:
heart rate
HTN:
hypertension
Hx:
history
hydrogen ions (H+)
ion produced when hydrogen looses an electron, a proton, the ions released when an acid is placed in solution such as in water or plasma
hyper:
above normal
hypercapnea :
a measurement of an abnormally high CO2 level in the blood, pCO2 > 45 mmHg
hypercholesterolemia :
excessive cholesterol in the blood.
hyperlipidemia:
excessive quantity of fat (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood.
hyperthermia:
temperature above normal
hypertrophiccardiomyopathy:
disease of the myocardium produced by the enlargement of the cells of the myocardium; often the result of increased oxygen demand in ischemic heart disease.
hypertrophy :
enlargement or overgrowth of an organ or part due to increase in seze of its constituent cells.
hypervolemia :
blood volume increase above normal
hypo:
below normal
hypoperfusion :
decreased blood flow to an organ or tissue such as in shock
hypotension :
decrease of systolic and diastolic blood pressure below normal.
hypothermia :
temperature below normal
hypovolemia:
decreased blood volume below normal
hypoxemia:
reduction of oxygen level in the blood below normal
hypoxia :
reduction of oxygen level in tissues below normal

I


IABP:
intra-aortic balloon pump
ICA:
internal carotid artery
ICS:
intercostal space
ICU:
intensive care unit
IDDM:
insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
immune system:
the system of blood cells and chemicals that protects the body from invasion by foreign organisms; the system that produces antibodies in response to antigens
in situ:
in place, but isolated in a living organism
intima:
an innermost structure (see tunica intima)
in vitro:
in the laboratory or in the test tube outside a living organism
in vivo:
within a living organism
interstitial:
between cells; the space in the tissues between cells outside the vascular system
intra-aortic balloon pump :
Use of a balloon attached to a catheter inserted through the femoral artery into the descending thoracic aorta for producing alternating inflation and deflation during diastole and systole, respectively.
intra-coronary stenting:
use of a prosthetic metal device to provide and maintain an enlarged coronary lumen at the site of an obstructive atherosclerotic plaque.
I&O (I/O):
intake and output
ischemia:
the need for oxygen exceeds the supply of oxygen leading to tissue cellular damage and possible death or necrosis
ischemic heart disease:
a form of heart disease whose primary manifestations result from myocardial ischemia due to atherosclerotic CAD.
isthmus:
a narrow connection between two larger bodies or parts
IV:
intravenous
IVC:
inferior vena cava
IVCD:
interventricular conduction defect

J


JVD:
jugular venous distention

K


Konno:
Surgical procedure to treat patients with congenital aortic stenosis.

L


KVO:
keep vein open

L


LA LA:
left atrium
LAD:
left anterior descending coronary artery
LBBB:
left bundle branch block
LDH:
lactate dehydrogenase
left ventricular function:
function of the main pumping chamber of the heart (left ventricle) that receives blood from the left atrium and pumps it out into the general circulation through the aortic valve.
left main (LM) disease:
stenosis of the left main (LM) coronary artery.
LIMA :
left internal mammary artery
LLL:
left lower lobe
LM:
left main coronary artery.
LV:
left ventricle
LVH:
left ventricualr hypertrophy
lysis:
destruction or decomposition, as of a cell or other substance

M


MAP:
mean arterial pressure
MB:
cardiac muscle
mec:
meconium
media:
middle,(see tunica media)
mediastinum :
The mass of tissues and organs separating the sternum in front and the vertebral column behind, containing the heart and its large vessels, trachea, esophagus, thymus, lymph nodes, and other structures and tissues
metabolic:
refers to the process of the chemical reactions at the tissue level
metabolic acidosis:
abnormal physiological process characterized by the primary gain of strong acid or primary loss of bicarbonate from the extracellular fluid. Reflected by a low [HCO3-] and low pH. (HCO3- less than 22 mEq/L) Treat by increasing perfusion of tissues and give NaHCO3.
metabolic alkalosis:
mbnormal physiological process characterized by primary gain of strong base or loss of strong acid. Reflected by a high [HCO3-] and high pH. (HCO3- greater than 26 mEq/L) Normally no need to treat.

MI:
1. mitral insufficiency; back flow or regurgitation of flow through the mitral valve during ventricular systole
2. myocardial infarction
MICU:
medical intensive care unit
milliequivalent:
one thousandths of an equivalent: An equivalent is the amount of a substance (mg or mM) that can enter into a reaction with one mole of hydrogen ions, or replace one mole of H+ in the reaction (gram molecular weight/valence).
mitral :
referring to the bicuspid valve separating the left atrium and ventricle to prevent back flow into the atrium during ventricular systole
mitral regurgitation :
abnormal systolic back flow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium, resulting from imperfect closure of the mitral valve
mitral stenosis :
mitral valvular stenosis;narrowing of the normal area of the mitral valve causing a pressure drop across the valve during left ventricular filling
modified ultrafiltration :
hemoconcentration of patients blood, post bypass prior to decannulation, using the extracorporeal circuit for blood access
mole:
the gram molecular weight of any substance, which always contains 6.023 X 1023 molecules of that substance. The number of molecules of a substance in one gram molecular weight of the substance. one mole of hydrogen ions, or replace the H+ in the reaction (gram molecular weight/valence).
MR:
mitral regurgitation
MS:
1.mitral stenosis
2. multiple sclerosis
MUF:
modified ultrafiltration
MUGA:
multiple gated acquisition test; a radionuclide test of myocardial performance
multivessel disease:
disease in two or more of the coronary arteries
MV :
mitral valve
MVR:
mitral valve repair, or replacement; open heart surgery to repair or replace a diseased mitral valve with a prosthesis or artificial heart valve
myocardial ischemia:
condition in which oxygen delivery to and waste removal from the myocardium falls below normal levels with oxygen demand exceeding supply.
myocardial infarction (Ml):
damage to the heart muscle caused by occlusion of one or more of the coronary arteries.
myocardium :
the muscular wall of the heart located between the inner endocardial layer and the outer epicardial layer.

N


necrosis :
death of individual cells or groups of cells, or of localized areas of tissue
NHLBI:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
NIDDM:
non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
nitrate:
a drug whose metabolites produce a relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, causing dilation of the veins, reducing preload and myocardial oxygen demand.
nitrogen:
chemical element at. no. 7, symbol N, molecular N2. It forms about 78% of the atmosphere and 78% of dissolved gas in the blood
N/G:
naso gastric
NICU:
neonatal intensive care unit
NKA:
no known allergies
NKDA:
no known drug allergies
non-Q-wave myocardial infarction:
myocardial infarction that is not associated with the evolution of new Q waves on the ECG.
npo:
nothing by mouth
NSR:
normal sinus rhythm
NTGNTG:
nitroglycerin

O


OHDC:
oxyhemoblobin disassociation curve
obtuse marginal:
branches of the circumflex coronary artery
OM1 OM2:
obtuse marginal
osmosis:
the passage of pure solvent from a solution of lesser to one of greater solute concentration, when the two solutions are separated by a membrane which selectively prevents the passage of solute molecules, but is permeable to the solvent
osmotic pressure :
the negative pressure created by a dissolved non-diffusable substance across a membrane permeable to solvent but not to the solute
ostia:
opening
-otomy:
to make a surgical opening into
oxygen :
chemical element at. no 8, symbol O, molecular O2; an odorless, colorless gas that is essential to all plants and animals for respiration
oxygenator :
an artificial device that functions like the lung to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood

P


P50:
hemoglobin P50, the partial pressure of oxygen where hemoglobin is 50% saturated with oxygen, normally about 27 mmHg
PA:
pulmonary artery
PAC:
premature atrial contraction
PaO2 :
the partial pressure exerted by O2 dissolved in arterial (a) plasma and RBC water,(in the venous blood - PvO2)
PFO:
patent foramen ovale
PaCO2 :
the partial pressure exerted by CO2 dissolved in arterial (a) plasma and RBC water, (in the venous blood - PvCO2)
palliative:
to relieve the symptoms of without fixing or repairing the underlying condition
partial pressure :
the pressure exerted by a gas dissolved in plasma and RBC water, for example pO2 is the partial pressure exerted by dissolved oxygen
pCO2 :
The partial pressure (tension) exerted by CO2 in mmHg. The respiratory component. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced by metabolism and carried by the blood to the lungs where it diffuses into the alveoli and is eliminated by exhaled breath. The amount of CO2 dissolved in the blood is measured by the partial pressure it exerts and is reported in mmHg. When CO2 dissolves in H2O it combines to form H2CO2 (carbonic acid) the most important acid in the body. The [H2CO2] is directly proportional to the CO2 dissolved in the blood (paCO2) and the paCO2 is a measurement of the ventilation status of the patient. Therefor the paCO2 is known as the respiratory component of the acid-base balance. As with pH, the body maintains the pCO2 within strict limits. The normal pCO2 is 35 - 45 mmHg with a mean of 40 mmHg.
PCWP:
pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
PDA:
1. patent ductus arteriosus
2. posterior descending artery
PE:
1. pulmonary embolus
2. pulmonary edema
3. peripheral edema
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA):
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; compression of an athromatous lesion by inflating an intracoronary balloon catheter to dilate the vessel
PERLA:
pupils equal and reactive to light and accommodation
perfusion :
1. flowing over or through;
2. blood flow through the organs and tissues of the body;
3. the profession of the study and implementation of blood flow through an extracorporeal circuit for life support
perfusion scan:
a test to determine the status of blood flow to an organ.
perfusion balloon angioplasty:
a variation of PTCA in which a catheter is inserted in the artery that permits blood flow during balloon inflation.
perfusionist :
see perfusion technologist
perfusion technologist:
perfusionist; the health professional educated to operate the heart lung machine and other life support devices
peri-:
surrounding, around
pericardium :
the tough non-elastic membrane surrounding the heart that attached to the great vessels and other anatomical structures in the mediastinum
pericarditis :
inflamation of the pericardium
pH :
the inverse log of the hydrogen ion activity; a measure of the alkalinity or acidity of the blood or solution on a 14 point scale with 1 being acidic and 14 being alkaline. The body normally maintains the [H+] and therefor the pH within very strict limits. Normal pH is 7.35 - 7.45 with a mean of 7.40.
PH2 O:
water vapor pressure, the partial pressure exerted by the presence of water vapor
phagocyte :
a white blood cell that engulfs and distroys foreign organisms and debris in the blood
pharmacologic stress test:
a test of heart function during intentional drug-induced stress.
pH stat :
ventilation scheme where the total CO2 increases as the temperature falls and the temperature corrected ABG appears normal. So called because the temperature-corrected, actual blood pH equals 7.40 during all temperatures of CPB
PI:
pulmonary insufficiency
PICU:
pediatric intensive care unit
PJC:
premature junctional contractions
pK:
a constant that describes the rate or degree to which a chemical reaction goes to completion, depending on temperature and pH
plasma free hemoglobin:
hemoglobin released from dying or damaged red blood cells
plasma :
the acellular, colorless liquid portion of the blood
plasmin :
the substance found in the blood that digests fibrin resulting in clot dissolution
plasminogen :
the precursor to plasmin that is activated by tissue plasminogen activator (TPA)
platelet :
thrombocyte;
PND:
paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
pO2:
partial pressure of oxygen; Oxygen is used by the body as a metabolic substrate to produce energy. A constant supply of oxygen is needed to maintain living tissue. 21% of the air we breath is oxygen and at sea level it exerts a pO2 of ~159 mmHg. The air is taken into lungs with each inhalation and moved into the alveoli where the pO2 is ~100 mmHg. The O2 diffuses into the blood and dissolves in the plasma where it exerts a pO2 of ~95 mmHg. In normal arterial blood with a pO2 of ~95 mmHg the blood is ~98% saturated with oxygen. The oxygen is carried to the tissue by the blood and by the time the venous blood returns to the lungs it has a pO2 of ~40 mmHg and is ~75% saturated. The paO2 is assessed on the ABG to provide a measure of the arterial oxygenation.
poikilothermic:
cold blooded; heterothermic; animals whose body temperature changes with the environment
polycythemia :
a serious condition characterized by too many red blood cells in the circulation
pooled platelets:
platelets collected from multiple donors and mixed together for use in transfusion
post-Ml angina:
angina occurring from 1 to 60 days after an acute MI.
PR interval:
ECG PR segment, interval of time between the P wave and the R wave on the ECG
prime (pump):
1. to fill the extracorporeal circuit with fluid;
2. the fluid that is required to initially fill and debubble the extracorporeal circuit before connection to the patient's vascular system
prinzmetal's angina:
variant angina, a clinical syndrome of rest pain and reversible ST-segment elevation without subsequent enzyme evidence of acute MI. In some patients, the cause of this syndrome appears to be coronary vasospasm alone often at the site of an insignificant coronary plaque, but a majority of patients with variant angina have angiographically significant CAD.
PS:
pulmonary valvular stenosis;
PT:
prothrombin time, protime
PTCA:
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty;
PTT:
partial thromboplastin time
pulmonary :
referring to the lung or the bicuspid valve separating the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery to prevent back flow into the ventricular during diastole
pulmonary edema:
condition, usually acute, but sometimes chronic, where fluid builds up in the lungs. This often occurs as a response to left ventricular failure in ischemic heart disease, hypertension, or aortic valve disease.
pulmonary atresia :
small or undeveloped pulmonary valve
pulmonary insufficiency :
pulmonary valvular incompetence; back flow or regurgitation of flow through the pulmonary valve during ventricular diastole
pulmonary stenosis :
pulmonary valvular stenosis; narrowing of the normal area of the pulmonary valve causing a pressure drop across the valve during left ventricular systole
pump:
1. the blood propulsion device included in the extracorporeal circuit to replace the left ventriclar function
2. slang for the heart
pumptech:
1. slang for the technologist that is a perfusionist
2. a technician that is responsible for operating heart lung machine durring surgery
3. a member of the 'pump team'
PV :
pulmonary valve
PVC:
premature ventricular contraction
PVD:
peripheral vascular disease
PVR:
1. pulmonary vascular resistance; resistance to the flow of blood through the pulmonary vascular beds
2. peripheral vascular resistance; resistance to the flow of blood through the peripheral vascular beds
3. pulmonary valve repair, or replacement; open heart surgery to repair or replace a diseased pulmonary valve with a prosthesis or artificial heart valve valve

Q


QIP:
quality improvement process

R


RA:
right atrium
radionuclide test:
A diagnostic test in which a radioactive substance is injected into the bloodstream and the emitted radioactivity is detected by a scanner; used to visualize the heart and vessels.
RBBB:
right bundle branch block
RBC :
red blood cell; erythrocyte
RCA:
right coronary artery
renal:
referring to the kidney(s)
renal failure:
failure of the kidney to cleanse the blood causing the build up of waste products in the blood
respiration :
the chemical processes that occur at the tissue cellular level converting oxygen and water to heat, ATP and carbon dioxide
respiratory acidosis:
an abnormal physiological process in which there is a primary reduction in alveolar ventilation relative to the rate of CO2 production. Reflected by a high pCO2 and low pH. (pCO2 greater than 45 mmHg) Treat by increasing ventilation.
respiratory alkalosis:
an abnormal pyhsiological process in which there is a primary increase in the rate of alveolar ventilation relative to the rate of CO2 production. Reflected by a low pCO2 and high pH. (pCO2 less than 35 mmHg) Treat by decreasing ventilation.
re-stenosis:
the recurrence of a stenosis
retrograde:
against the normal direction of flow
revascularization :
restoration, to the extent possible, of normal blood flow to the myocardium by surgical or percutaneous means or with removal or reduction of an obstruction as occurs when CABG or PTCA is performed
RH:
relative humidity
Rh:
rhesus monkey factor
RHD:
rheumatic heart disease
RIMA:
right internal mammary artery
RISC:
Research Group on Instability in Coronary Artery Disease
Risk:
high, intermediate, and low risk in this guideline refer to the probability of future adverse cardiac events, particularly death or MI.
RITA:
Randomized Intervention Treatment of Angina
RM:
Right Main Coronary Artery
RRR:
regular rate and rhythm
RV:
right ventricle
RVH:
right ventricular hypertrophy
Rx:
therapy or treatment

S


SA node:
sinoatrial node
SBP:
systolic blood pressure
SCOPA:
South Carolina Organ Procurement Agency
sed. rate:
erythrocyte sedimentation rate
SEM:
systolic ejection murmur
SGOT :
serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST)
SGPT :
serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase
shock :
acute peripheral circulatory failure due to derangement of circulatory control or loss of circulating fluid, marked by hypotension, coldness of skin, usually tachycardia, and often anxiety; decreased cardiac output;
sinus node :
bundle of excitatory tissue found in the right atrium that functions as the pacemaker of the heart
Sinus of Valsalva :
the portion of the aortic root just distal to the aortic valve containing the coronary ostia
sO2:
percent saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen, in the arterial blood - SaO2, in the venous blood - SvO2
solubility:
the ability of a gas to dissolve into plasma and RBC water
S tach:
sinus tachycardia
stenosis :
a narrowing or blockage of a coronary artery
STICU:
surgical trauma intensive care unit
sublingual:
beneath the tongue.
supraventricular arrhythmia:
an irregular heart beat that originates in the atria or AV node.
SV:
a device placed in an vessel to keep it open, coronary stent
SV:
stroke volume
SVCSVC:
superior vena cava
SVG:
saphenous vein graft
SVO2:
mixed venous oxygen saturation
SVR:
systemic vascular resistance ([MAP-CVP]/CO)
SV tach:
supraventricular tachycardia
systole :
referring to the period of time during contraction of the ventricle(s)

T


TAPVR:
total anomalous pulmonary venous return
TEE:
transesphogeal echocardiography, a doppler echocardiographic transducer is inserted in the esophogus to visualize the lungs, heart and great vessels
technician:
a person highly skilled in a certain field or process
technologist:
a person who applies scientific knowledge in a specialized field or process
temperature correction:
The mathematical process to correct for the physical changes that pH, pO2, pCO2 go through when a blood sample is warmed or cooled in vitro during analysis.
tetralogy of fallot (TOF):
congenital heart condition characterized by; 1. over riding aorta, 2. VSD, 3. RV outflow tract obstruction and, 3. PDA, if ASD is present the condition is called a "pentology of fallot"
TGA:
transposition of the great arteries
thebesian veins:
the small veins terminating into the right sided chambers of the heart draining the right coronary circulation of the heart
thrombocytopenia:
abnormal decrease in number of the blood platelets.
thrombocyte :
platelet; the small, disc shaped enucleated body found in the blood that initiates the coagulation process
thrombolytic therapy:
Pharmacologic treatment with a class of drugs that can break up fibrin blood clots.
thrombus :
blood clot, blood that has gone from a liquid state to a gel to stop bleeding
tricuspid atresia :
small or undeveloped tricuspid valve
TI:
tricuspid insufficiency
TM:
thrombolysis in myocardial infarction
TIA:
transient ischemic attack
TOF:
tetralogy of Fallot
total CO2 content:
consists of HCO3-, H2CO3, and dissolved CO2 (pCO2). (Since CO2 and H2CO3 are interchangable) total CO2 = dissolved CO2 gas + HCO3-. or total CO2 = HCO3- + (0.03 * pCO2). (The CO2 solubility coefficient, 0.03, converts pCO2 in mm/L to meq/L) In normal plasma, more than 95% of the total CO2 is contributed by HCO3-, the other 5% by dissolved CO2 and H2CO3.
TPA:
tissue plasminogen activator; a substance that converts plasminogen to plasmin to dissolve clot
TR:
tricuspid regurgitation
trans-:
across or through
transcutaneous :
through the skin
transfusion :
the injection of whole blood or blood products into the blood stream
transvenous pacemaker:
cardiac pacemaker using a pacing electrode or wire passed through a vein into the chambers of the heart that stimulates and maintains a normal heart rate; may be permanent or temporary
triage:
screening and classification of sick, wounded, or injured persons to determine priority of need and proper place of treatment
tricuspid valve:
the valve between the right atrium and the right ventricle
TS:
tricuspid stenosis; stenosis of the tricuspid valve
tunica:
in anatomy, a general term for a membrane or other structure covering or lining a body part or organ
t. adventitia the outer coat of various tubular structures including blood vessels
t. intima the innermost coat of a blood vessel
t. media the middle coat of a blood vessel
TV :
tricuspid valve

U


UAC:
umbilical artery catheter
UO:
urine output
ultrafiltration:
the separation of fluid and electrolytes from the blood by seiving across a porous membrane
unstable angina:
angina or chest pain that occurs at rest, new onset of pain with exertion, or pain that has accelerated (more frequent, longer in duration, or lower in threshold).

V


VA:
Veterans Administration
VAD:
ventricular assist device; a blood propulsion devices or ECCs to assist the failing right or left ventricles
valvuloplasty :
surgical repair of a cardiac valve
valvulotomy :
to make an incision into a diseased and stenosed cardiac valve to increase the valve area
variant angina:
prinzmetal's angina, a clinical syndrome of rest pain and reversible ST-segment elevation without subsequent enzyme evidence of acute MI. In some patients, the cause of this syndrome appears to be coronary vasospasm alone often at the site of an insignificant coronary plaque, but a majority of patients with variant angina have angiographically significant CAD.
vasa vasorum:
the small blood vessels providing nutrient blood flow to large arteries and veins
vascular :
pertaining to blood vessels or indicative of a copious blood supply
vasoconstrict:
the arterioles decrease in diameter restricting blood flow to an organ or portion of the body
vasodilate:
the arterioles increase in diameter allowing more blood flow
vein :
a blood vessel that carries blood toward the heart; veins usually carry deoxygenated blood
vena cava (e):
the large vein(s) collecting the venous return from the head, neck and shoulders (superior vena cava) and the legs and gut (inferior vena cava) draining into the right atrium of the heart
ventilation :
the movement of gas in and out of the lungs to facilitate blood oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal
ventricle :
a small cavity or chamber, as in the brain or heart
right v. the lower chamber of the right side of the heart, which pumps venous bloood through the pulmonary trunk and arteries to the capillaries of the lung
left v. the lower chamber of the left side of the heart, which pumps oxygenated blood out through the aorta to all the tissues of the body
ventriculography:
a procedure for visualization of ventricles of the heart by x-ray after injection of a radio opaque contrast dye.
V fib:
ventricular fibrillation
Von Willebrand Disease :
coagulation disorder caused by lack of or non functional Von Willebrand Factor
VSD:
ventricular septal defect
V tach:
ventricular tachycardia
VWF:
Von Willebrand Factor

W


WBC:
white blood cell(s), leukocyte(s); neutrophils, basophils, esonophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes
WNL:
within normal limits

X


XC:
cross clamp
xenograft :
tissue taken from another species, treated and implanted

Y


Y Connector:
bifurcation junction resembling alphabet "Y" used for dividing or merging the flow through two pieces of tubing

Z

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ASA Glossary of transfusion medicine abbreviations.

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