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Intermediate Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

aortic insufficiency

Also written as: AI — aortic insufficiency

Backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle due to incompetent aortic valve.

Full Definition

Aortic insufficiency, also known as aortic regurgitation, is a valvular heart disease characterized by incomplete closure of the aortic valve, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. In cardiac anesthesia, this condition significantly impacts anesthetic management and surgical planning. Severe aortic insufficiency can compromise cardioplegia delivery, affect preload management, and influence the choice of monitoring techniques. The condition may be acute or chronic, with different hemodynamic implications for perioperative care.

Usage

Usage note: Often abbreviated as AI; use aortic regurgitation interchangeably.

In Context

  • "Severe aortic insufficiency required immediate surgical intervention." — preoperative assessment
  • "The presence of aortic insufficiency complicated cardioplegia delivery strategies." — anesthesia plan

Also known as

aortic regurgitation AI AR

Contrasted with

aortic stenosis competent aortic valve

Don't confuse with

aortic stenosis mitral regurgitation

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