Cardiotomy is a medical term that refers to the surgical procedure of opening the heart. It is pronounced /kɑːrdɪˈɒtəmi/. The spelling of this word can be explained by breaking it down into its phonetic components. 'Cardio' comes from the Greek word 'kardia' which means 'heart'. The 'tomy' portion comes from the Greek word 'tomos' meaning 'cut'. Hence, 'cardiotomy' means cutting open the heart surgically. Correct spelling of medical terms is crucial as inaccuracies can lead to misunderstandings and errors while communicating important information about patient care.
Cardiotomy is a medical term that refers to the surgical procedure or technique involving the incision or opening of the heart, particularly to gain access to the interior structures for various purposes like treatment or examination. The word "cardiotomy" is derived from the Greek words "cardio" meaning heart, and "tome" meaning incision or cutting.
Cardiotomy typically involves the use of a sterile technique in operating rooms, utilizing specialized surgical tools to perform the incision on the heart. This procedure may be necessary for many reasons, including coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair or replacement, congenital heart defect repair, exploration of the heart's chambers, removal of blood clots, or implantation of devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators.
During a cardiotomy, the heart is temporarily stopped, and the patient is placed on a heart-lung machine, which takes over the heart's function of pumping blood and oxygenating it. This allows the surgeon to work on the heart without compromising blood circulation to the rest of the body.
Cardiotomy is a complex and delicate procedure that requires expertise and precision from the surgical team. It is performed to treat and manage various cardiac conditions, aiming to restore normal heart function and improve overall cardiovascular health. Close monitoring and follow-up care are essential after a cardiotomy to ensure successful recovery and optimal outcomes for the patient.
Incision into the heart-wall.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cardiotomy" is derived from two Greek words: "kardia" meaning "heart" and "tome" meaning "a cutting". The combining form "-tomy" in medicine refers specifically to a surgical incision or operation. Therefore, "cardiotomy" refers to a surgical procedure involving the cutting or incision of the heart, typically performed for various cardiac surgeries.