TIMI flow grade
Pronunciation: TIE-mee
Standardized classification system for assessing coronary blood flow during angiography.
Full Definition
TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) flow grade is a widely used angiographic classification system that assesses the degree of coronary blood flow. The system ranges from TIMI 0 (no flow) to TIMI 3 (normal flow), with TIMI 1 indicating minimal flow and TIMI 2 representing slow but complete flow. This grading system was developed during early thrombolysis trials and has become the standard for evaluating procedural success in coronary interventions. TIMI flow grade is an independent predictor of clinical outcomes, with TIMI 3 flow associated with the best prognosis following acute myocardial infarction.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize TIMI; use Arabic numerals (0-3) for flow grades.
In Context
- "Successful PCI restored TIMI 3 flow in the previously occluded left circumflex artery." — Interventional procedure note
- "The patient presented with TIMI 0 flow in the RCA consistent with acute thrombotic occlusion." — Emergency catheterization report