What is atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is caused by the two upper chambers of the heart beating irregularly. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) occurs when the two smaller, upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly instead of rhythmically. This abnormal condition can allow blood clots to form inside the heart and later travel to …
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What is a ventricular repair (cardiorrhaphy) procedure? Ventricular repair (cardiorrhaphy) is a lifesaving procedure used for cardiac (heart) trauma. Ventricular repair is also called cardiorrhaphy. It is a lifesaving procedure performed for cardiac (heart) trauma in the emergency room (ER). Emergency thoracotomy or surgical resuscitation may be done first prior to ventricular repair. Emergency thoracotomy is a procedure that allows …
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Targeted temperature management or therapeutic hypothermia is a type of treatment in which healthcare providers use cooling devices to lower the body temperature for a short time. Targeted temperature management or therapeutic hypothermia may be performed for the management of Cardiac arrest Hemorrhagic shock (shock because of excessive blood loss) Brain injury Spinal cord injury Neonatal encephalopathy (syndrome of disturbed …
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What is treadmill stress testing? During the treadmill stress test, your heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiograph (ECG) are monitored. Exercise stress testing is performed to determine how your heart responds to physical stress or exertion, such as exercise. The test is known as stress test, treadmill stress test, cardiac stress test, exercise electrocardiogram, treadmill test, graded exercise test, or …
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What is congestive heart failure? Heart failure can cause edema when extra fluid seeps into the lung cavity or other cavities. Diuretics treat this symptom, but do not cure heart failure. Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to efficiently pump blood to meet the body’s oxygen and nutrient needs. This impairs normal blood circulation …
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What are the techniques of programmed stimulation and entrainment? These techniques help to gather information about the conduction system of the heart, which can further be used to guide the treatment of heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). Programmed stimulation and entrainment techniques are methods of setting the rhythm and rate of the heart. These techniques help to gather information about the …
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What does synchronized electrical cardioversion mean? Cardioversion is typically used to terminate a life-threatening or unstable tachycardic arrhythmia. Synchronized electrical cardioversion is a medical procedure in which an electric current is passed through a person’s chest to convert abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) to normal heart rhythm. The direct current (DC) shocks to the heart has long been used successfully to …
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What is pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation? An ECMO system works by drawing blood from the patient’s body to artificially oxygenate the red blood cells in the blood and removes carbon dioxide from the blood. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), also called extracorporeal life support (ECLS), is a technique of providing prolonged cardiac and respiratory support to patients whose heart and lungs …
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What is aortic stenosis? Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) surgically and artificially replaces an aortic valve narrowed by aortic stenosis. Sometimes, malfunction of the heart valves can lead to issues with blood flow and threaten the overall health of an individual. Stenosis, more specifically aortic stenosis (AS), is narrowing of the aortic valve (one of the important heart valves) opening. …
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What is a thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) surgery? Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that repairs the aorta Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a procedure to repair the major blood vessel in the body called the aorta. It is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small incision is made for repairing the …
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