Cardiovascular Anesthesiology Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
pericardial constraint
The limiting effect of the pericardium on cardiac filling, particularly evident when intrapericardial pressure is elevated.
milrinone
Phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor used as an inotrope and vasodilator in cardiac anesthesia.
minimally invasive cardiac surgery
Cardiac surgical techniques performed through smaller incisions than traditional median sternotomy.
modified ultrafiltration
Post-bypass technique using concentrated ultrafiltration to remove excess fluid and inflammatory mediators.
myocardial lactate extraction
Measurement of cardiac metabolic function by comparing arterial and coronary sinus lactate concentrations.
myocardial oxygen consumption
The amount of oxygen utilized by the heart muscle per unit time, typically measured in milliliters per 100 grams of tiss...
myocardial protection
Strategies used to prevent ischemic injury to the heart muscle during cardiac surgery.
myocardial stunning
Temporary reduction in cardiac contractility following reperfusion after a period of ischemia.
neurological monitoring
Continuous assessment of brain function during cardiac surgery to detect and prevent neurological complications.
NIRS
Near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring used to assess regional tissue oxygenation, particularly cerebral and somatic oxyg...
OPCAB
Coronary artery bypass surgery performed on the beating heart without cardiopulmonary bypass.
PADP
Pressure measurement from pulmonary artery catheter representing left atrial pressure and preload.
perfusion index
A noninvasive measure of peripheral perfusion derived from pulse oximetry that reflects the ratio of pulsatile to non-pu...
pericardial constraint
The limiting effect of the pericardium on cardiac filling, particularly evident when intrapericardial pressure is elevat...
pericardial effusion
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space that may cause hemodynamic compromise following cardiac surgery.
phenylephrine
Alpha-1 adrenergic agonist used as a vasopressor to increase blood pressure without affecting heart rate.
phrenic nerve injury
Damage to the phrenic nerve during cardiac surgery resulting in diaphragmatic paralysis and respiratory complications.
PMVR
Posterior mitral valve repair, a surgical technique for correcting mitral regurgitation.
positive end-expiratory pressure
Application of pressure above atmospheric at the end of expiration to improve oxygenation and prevent alveolar collapse.
pressure-volume loop
A graphical representation of the relationship between left ventricular pressure and volume throughout the cardiac cycle...
protamine
Medication used to reverse the anticoagulant effects of heparin following cardiac surgery.
pulmonary vascular resistance
Resistance to blood flow through the pulmonary circulation, measured in Wood units.
pump lung syndrome
Acute lung injury characterized by increased pulmonary vascular permeability and impaired gas exchange following cardiop...
pump prime
The fluid used to fill the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit before initiating circulation.
rapid sequence induction
Anesthetic induction technique designed to minimize aspiration risk through rapid airway control and cricoid pressure.