Cardiothoracic Surgery Glossary

A specialized solution used to arrest the heart during cardiac surgery, containing potassium and other agents to tempora...

Intentional temporary cessation of cardiac electrical and mechanical activity using cardioplegia solution during cardiac...

Heart-lung machine system that temporarily takes over cardiac and pulmonary function during surgery.

A drainage catheter placed into the pleural space to remove air, fluid, or blood following thoracic surgery.

Accumulation of lymphatic fluid (chyle) in the pleural space due to thoracic duct injury.

A congenital narrowing of the aorta that obstructs blood flow and causes hypertension.

Abnormal adherence of valve leaflet edges at their commissures, resulting in restricted valve opening and stenosis.

A surgical procedure to repair a stenotic heart valve by cutting along the natural separations between valve leaflets.

A tubular graft used to establish blood flow between cardiac chambers or vessels during congenital heart surgery.

Cardiopulmonary bypass, the use of a heart-lung machine to maintain circulation and oxygenation during cardiac surgery.

The duration for which the ascending aorta is clamped during cardiac surgery, representing myocardial ischemic time.

Surgical removal of fibrous tissue covering the lung to restore normal expansion.

Single-dose cardioplegia solution providing prolonged myocardial protection during cardiac surgery.

A congenital heart defect where both the aorta and pulmonary artery arise primarily from the right ventricle.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, a life support system that temporarily replaces heart and lung function.

Collection of infected fluid or pus in the pleural space.

Infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, typically caused by bacteria.

Temporary cardiac pacing using electrodes placed directly on the heart's surface during surgery.

Surgical removal of part or all of the esophagus, typically performed for cancer or severe benign disease.

A surgically created small opening, often used in congenital heart surgery to allow controlled mixing of blood.

A staged surgical palliation for single ventricle congenital heart defects that redirects venous return directly to the...

A surgical connection between the superior vena cava and the pulmonary artery, used in staged palliation of complex cong...

The continued openness and blood flow through a surgical bypass graft over time.

The process of controlling bleeding during and after surgical procedures.