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Arteriosclerosis (“hardening of the arteries”)
The process whereby abnormal deposits of lipids, cholesterol and plaque build up, leading to narrowing or blockage in arteries taking blood to the hand, foot head or vital organs. Also called atherosclerosis.
Ascending Aorta Replacement
The aorta is the main blood vessel that leaves the heart to provide blood flow to the rest of the body. When the ascending or first part of the aorta is diseased, it sometimes needs to be replaced. The replacement…
Aspiration Pneumonia
A condition that occurs when the contents of the stomach or esophagus are breathed into the airways.
Asthma, chronic
A disease of the air passages that carry air in and out of the lungs. Asthma causes the airways to narrow, the lining of the airways to swell and the cells that line the airways to produce more mucus. These…
Atelectasis
Partial or complete collapse of the lung, usually due to a blockage of the air passages with fluid, mucus or infection. Symptoms include dry cough, chest pain and mild shortness of breath.
Atherectomy (DCA – Directional Coronary Atherectomy)
The DCA catheter has a hollow cylinder on the tip with an open window on one side and a balloon on the other. When the catheter is inserted into the narrowed artery, the balloon is inflated, pushing the window against…
Atheroma
Large build-up of fat, cholesterol and other substances on the walls of an artery, causing narrowing. Also called plaque.
Atherosclerosis
Commonly known as "hardening of the arteries." A disease in which fatty deposits accumulate on the inner walls of the arteries, causing narrowing or blockage that may result in a heart attack.
Atresia
The abnormal closure or absence of an opening or passage.
Atria
The upper chambers of the heart. The atrium refers to one chamber of the heart.