TIMI flow grade
Also written as: TIMI — Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction
A standardized angiographic classification system for assessing coronary blood flow during cardiac catheterization.
Full Definition
TIMI flow grade is a widely used angiographic scoring system that classifies coronary blood flow into four categories: TIMI 0 (no flow), TIMI 1 (penetration without perfusion), TIMI 2 (partial perfusion with slow flow), and TIMI 3 (normal flow). This classification system was developed by the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction study group and is essential for standardized reporting of coronary angiography results. TIMI flow grade is particularly important in acute coronary syndrome management, where restoration of TIMI 3 flow is the goal of reperfusion therapy. The grade correlates with clinical outcomes, with higher TIMI flow grades associated with better prognosis and reduced mortality.
Usage
Usage note: TIMI is always capitalized; flow grade or grade is lowercase.
In Context
- "Primary PCI successfully restored TIMI 3 flow in the occluded right coronary artery." — Cardiac catheterization report
- "The patient presented with TIMI 0 flow in the LAD, consistent with acute vessel occlusion." — Emergency department note