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Cardiovascular Surgery Glossary

100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

TAVR TAVR

Professional Technical IVT

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement, a minimally invasive procedure to replace the aortic valve without open surgery.

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cardioplegia arrest

Professional Technical IVT

Temporary cessation of heart activity induced by cardioplegic solution during cardiac surgery.

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cardioplegic arrest

Professional Technical IVT

Intentional cessation of cardiac electrical and mechanical activity using cardioplegic solution.

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cardiopulmonary arrest

Intermediate Technical IVT

Complete cessation of heart and lung function requiring immediate resuscitative measures.

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cardiopulmonary bypass

Professional Technical IVT

A technique using a heart-lung machine to temporarily take over cardiac and pulmonary function during surgery.

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cardiotomy reservoir

Professional Technical IVT

Component of the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit that collects and filters blood aspirated from the surgical field before...

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cardiotomy sucker

Intermediate Technical IVT

Specialized suction device used to remove blood and debris from the operative field during cardiac surgery with blood sa...

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coagulopathy

Advanced Technical IVT

Impaired blood clotting function commonly encountered in cardiac surgery patients requiring specific management strategi...

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commissural fusion

Intermediate Technical IVT

Pathological joining of valve leaflets at their commissures, typically seen in rheumatic valve disease, causing valve st...

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commissure

Professional Technical IVT

Junction point between adjacent valve leaflets or cusps, critical anatomical landmark in valve repair and replacement pr...

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commissurotomy

Professional Technical IVT

Surgical division of fused valve leaflets to relieve stenosis, particularly in mitral or aortic valves.

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conduit

Intermediate Technical IVT

A graft or tube used to redirect blood flow, commonly referring to coronary artery bypass grafts or valve-containing tub...

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CPB

Intermediate Technical IVT

Cardiopulmonary bypass, the technique of temporarily taking over heart and lung function during cardiac surgery.

Abbreviation Full entry →

cross-clamp time

Professional Technical IVT

The duration during which the aorta is clamped, representing the period of myocardial ischemia during surgery.

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de-airing

Advanced Technical IVT

The process of removing air bubbles from the cardiac chambers and great vessels before discontinuing cardiopulmonary byp...

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ECMO

Professional Technical IVT

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation providing temporary cardiac and/or pulmonary support in critically ill patients.

Abbreviation Full entry →

ejection fraction

Intermediate Technical IVT

The percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each heartbeat, a measure of cardiac function.

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endocardial resection

Professional Technical IVT

Surgical removal of scarred or arrhythmogenic endocardial tissue to treat ventricular tachycardia.

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endocarditis

Intermediate Technical IVT

Infection of the inner lining of heart chambers and valves, often requiring surgical intervention for valve replacement...

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endoleak

Advanced Technical IVT

Persistent blood flow outside an endovascular stent graft but within the aneurysm sac, classified by anatomical location...

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epicardial pacing wires

Intermediate Technical IVT

Temporary pacing electrodes placed directly on the heart's surface during cardiac surgery to provide postoperative rhyth...

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Glenn shunt

Professional Technical IVT

A surgical connection between the superior vena cava and pulmonary artery, creating passive pulmonary blood flow.

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graft patency

Professional Technical IVT

The continued openness and functionality of a surgical bypass graft over time.

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hemostasis

Intermediate Technical IVT

Achievement of bleeding control through physiological or surgical means during and after cardiovascular procedures.

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homograft

Professional Technical IVT

Human donor tissue used for valve or conduit replacement, typically cryopreserved aortic or pulmonary valves.

Technical Term Full entry →
Showing 25–48 of 100

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