Counterpulsation
| Definition: |
A technique for assisting the circulation by decreasing the afterload of the left ventricle and augmenting the diastolic pressure. It may be achieved by intra-aortic balloon, or by implanting a special pumping device in the chest, or externally by applying a negative pressure to the lower extremities during cardiac systole. |
| Notes: |
a type of assisted circulation; do not use /util except by MeSH definition |
| Also Called: |
Counterpulsation, External,Diastolic Counterpulsation |
| Previously Indexed: |
Assisted Circulation (1967-1989),Blood Pressure (1966-1989),Heart-Assist Devices (1986-1989),Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping (1977-1989) |
Counterpulsation Categories.
 |
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping - Counterpulsation in which a pumping unit synchronized with the patient's electrocardiogram rapidly fills a balloon in the aorta with helium or carbon dioxide in early diastole and evacuates the balloon at the onset of systole. As the balloon inflates, it raises aortic diastolic pressure, and as it deflates, it lowers aortic systolic pressure. The result is a decrease in left ventricular work and increased myocardial and peripheral perfusion. |
Counterpulsation Definitions and Terms
MedicalGlossary.org is designed as a free, browsable resource for all. The medical terms and definitions are not intended to replace medical informaion provided by licensed healthcare professionals. Please see a doctor if you need medical assistance. Don't see the medical term you were researching? Send us an e-mail from our "about us" page. We will do our best to research and classify new medical terms in a timely manner. Our current list of medical terms is over 26,000. Data sources include the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2004 Medical Subject Headings.
|
