TIMI flow grade
Pronunciation: TIH-mee
Also written as: TIMI — Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction
A standardized classification system for assessing coronary blood flow during angiography.
Full Definition
TIMI flow grade is a widely used angiographic classification system that categorizes coronary blood flow on a scale from 0 to 3, originally developed by the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction study group. TIMI 0 represents no flow, TIMI 1 indicates minimal flow without filling of the distal vessel, TIMI 2 describes slow flow that fills the distal vessel, and TIMI 3 represents normal flow with rapid filling and clearance of contrast. This standardized assessment is crucial for evaluating the success of reperfusion therapy and serves as an important endpoint in clinical trials and quality metrics for interventional procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Always use TIMI followed by number (0-3). Pronunciation as 'TIH-mee' is standard in cardiology.
In Context
- "Final angiography demonstrated TIMI 3 flow in all treated vessels following successful PCI." — Procedural completion report
- "The primary endpoint was restoration of TIMI 2 or 3 flow in the infarct-related artery." — Clinical trial protocol