What are atrial septal defect and patent foramen ovale? The symptoms of a Patent Foramen Ovale or atrial septal defect may be managed by medications. In some cases, surgery may be needed. The heart has four chambers, the upper two called atria and the lower two called ventricles. The left and right atria are separated …
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What are omega-3 fatty acids? Share Your Story Certain foods are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids consist of chains of carbon atoms linked together by chemical bonds. On one end (terminal) of the carbon chain is a methyl group (a cluster of carbon and hydrogen atoms). On the other terminal is a carboxyl group (a cluster of carbon, …
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What is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)? You need to live with an ICD for the rest of your life. Hence, it is important to have regular check-ups and monitoring every three months to ensure the proper functioning of an ICD. An implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) is an electronic device that tracks the heart rate and restores a normal rhythm if required. …
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What is coronary artery bypass grafting? Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgery that helps create adequate blood flow to the heart by using healthy blood vessels harvested from some other sites (e.g., leg, arm, or chest) to bypass the flow of blood from the site of the blockage. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a surgery performed in …
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What is coronary CT angiography? Coronary computerized tomography angiography (CCTA) is a heart scan or imaging test that helps diagnose plaque buildup and consequent narrowing of the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that supply the heart). During a CCTA scan, you may receive an iodine-containing material (contrast) as an intravenous injection to ensure the best possible images of the coronary …
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What is decortication? Decortication is a surgical procedure that removes the restrictive layer of fibrous tissue overlying an organ. It is mostly performed to remove the fibrous layer over the lung, chest wall, and diaphragm. Pleura is a thin membrane that lines the outer surface of the lungs (visceral pleura) and the inner surface of the chest wall (parietal pleura). The …
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What is a digital amputation? A digital amputation is the surgical removal of a portion of a finger, which can include the tip, end, or joint due to severe injury or elective surgery for a condition that has affected the finger. A digital amputation involves surgical removal of a part of a finger. When are digital amputations performed? Digital amputations …
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What is a distal gastrectomy? A distal gastrectomy or antrectomy removes part of the stomach and stitches the remainder with an opening into the small intestine. Antrectomy (distal gastrectomy) is a procedure that involves surgical removal of the lower 30% of the stomach (antrum). Distal gastrectomy is a type of partial gastrectomy that involves the surgical removal of only a …
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What is breath sound assessment? Breath sound assessment is a standardized way doctors listen to the sound your lungs make. This helps them diagnose various lung problems. Clinical evaluation of breath sounds is the first and most common method of assessing lung health. The stethoscope placed on the back and chest lets the physician listen to the breath sounds. This …
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What is the olecranon bursa? Aspiration of the olecranon bursa is the drainage by needle of the fluid inside the lubricating fluid sack (bursa) at the tip of the elbow. The olecranon is the pointed bone at the tip of the elbow. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow. The bursa helps the skin glide …
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