Definitions
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Aorta
The large artery that carries blood from the heart to be distributed by branch arteries throughout the body. The part of the aorta at the top of the left ventricle is called the ascending aorta.
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Atherosclerosis
Thickening of artery walls due to the build-up of plaque and other deposits can cause restriction of blood flow.
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Anti-Platelet Medication
Once a stent is placed in a coronary artery, medication to reduce the risk of the stent clotting over time.
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Blood Vessels
An extensive network of flexible tubes that carries blood to and from the heart and throughout the body. The blood vessels are the transportation system of the body. The blood vessels include arteries, veins, and capillaries.
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Catheter
Thin tube that can be inserted into the body to treat conditions or perform procedures.
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Caution
A statement describing situations in which equipment may malfunction, be damaged, or cease to operate.
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Coronary Arteries
A network of blood vessels that originate in the aorta and supply the heart muscle with blood.
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Heart Valves
Flap-like structures that maintain blood flow in one direction through the heart.
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Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
A surgical procedure where arterial and venous grafts are used to bypass narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. The surgery is typically performed by opening the chest through the sternum (breast bone) to provide access to the heart. The heart itself may not be opened.
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Stent
A wire mesh tube inserted into a blood vessel and expanded to keep the vessel open. Coronary stents may be bare metal or drug eluting and require antiplatelet medication.
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Warning
A statement describing an action or situation
that could seriously harm the patient.
FAQs
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What is coronary artery bypass grafting? (CABG)
A heart surgery procedure that treats the symptoms of coronary artery disease. The surgery reroutes (or “bypasses”) the blood flow around the blockages in the coronary arteries, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle. Also called coronary artery bypass grafting.
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What is coronary artery disease? (CAD)
A disease in which plaque deposits containing cholesterol atherosclerosis and fat globules are deposited within the arteries.
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What is ejection fraction? (EF)
A measure of how efficiently the heart is able to eject blood from the ventricles. Ejection fraction is expressed as the percentage of blood contained in the ventricle that is ejected when the ventricle contracts. This measure is applied to both the right and left ventricles to describe how efficiently the right ventricle pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs and how efficiently the left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the body.
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What is hemodynamic instability?
A state requiring pharmacologic or mechanical support to maintain a normal blood pressure or adequate blood flow.
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What is a minimally invasive procedure?
In minimally invasive procedures, operators use small incisions and specialized tools to injure as little tissue as possible. This may be safer than conventional surgery and lead to faster healing.
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What is a percutaneous coronary intervention? (PCI)
PCI is a nonsurgical procedure used to treat the narrowed coronary arteries of the heart found in coronary heart disease by inserting a catheter with a balloon on the end and inflating the balloon to open the vessel. During the procedure, coronary stents are usually placed to hold the artery open.
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What is a high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention? (HRPCI)
You are considered high-risk when the extent or location of your coronary blockages and the temporary effects of PCI treatment on your already decreased heart function increase your risk for hemodynamic instability (uncontrolled swings in blood pressure and heart failure) during the procedure.
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What is a primary endpoint?
The main result that is measured at the end of a clinical study.
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What is revascularization?
The restoration of blood flow to parts of the body that have suffered lack of blood flow.