Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
perfusion
Blood flow delivery to tissues and organs, providing oxygen and nutrients.
Full Definition
The process by which blood flows through tissue capillary beds, delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing metabolic waste products. Adequate perfusion is essential for cellular function and organ viability. In pediatric critical care, perfusion assessment involves evaluating capillary refill time, skin color and temperature, pulse quality, blood pressure, and urine output. Poor perfusion may indicate shock, cardiac dysfunction, or vascular compromise requiring immediate intervention.
Usage
Usage note: Often modified by anatomical location (renal perfusion, cerebral perfusion).
In Context
- "Peripheral perfusion improved following fluid resuscitation." — Response to treatment
- "Signs of poor perfusion included delayed capillary refill and cool extremities." — Clinical assessment
Also known as
tissue perfusion
blood flow
Contrasted with
hypoperfusion
ischemia
Don't confuse with
circulation
oxygenation