TIMI grade
Pronunciation: TEE-mee grade
Standardized classification system for coronary blood flow velocity and completeness in angiography.
Full Definition
TIMI grade represents a standardized angiographic classification system developed by the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction study group to assess 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 classification is crucial for evaluating reperfusion success in acute coronary syndromes and assessing procedural outcomes. TIMI grade correlates with clinical outcomes and is widely used in clinical trials and routine practice to standardize flow assessment. The grading system provides objective criteria for what was previously subjective visual assessment of coronary flow.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify numerical grade (0-3) and distinguish from TIMI frame count.
In Context
- "Pre-intervention angiography showed TIMI grade 1 flow in the culprit vessel." — STEMI procedure report
- "Final TIMI grade 3 flow was achieved in all treated vessels with excellent distal perfusion." — Interventional procedure note