The proper spelling of the term "prelum arteriale" can be a tricky one! It refers to the part of the arterial system that is closest to the heart. To understand the spelling, it's important to use the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): "prelum" is pronounced /ˈprelʊm/ while "arteriale" is pronounced /ɑrˈtɛrɪˌeɪl/. With this knowledge, you can correctly spell and pronounce this term the next time you encounter it in a medical context.
Prelum arteriale is a Latin term that refers to a medical device known as an arterial clamp. A prelum arteriale is specifically designed to occlude or compress an artery to temporarily stop the blood flow in order to prevent bleeding during surgical procedures or to facilitate surgical dissection.
The device consists of two hinged arms made of stainless steel or another sturdy material, which can be locked together by a screw mechanism to maintain a tight grip on the artery. The arms of the arterial clamp have a curved shape to conform to the shape of the vessel, allowing for precise and secure placement on the artery.
The prelum arteriale is frequently used in vascular surgery, where it is employed to isolate a specific artery in order to prevent blood loss while the surgeon performs necessary repairs or interventions, such as placing a vascular graft or removing a blockage. Additionally, it can be used during organ transplant procedures to temporarily occlude the blood supply to the organ being replaced or during microsurgical procedures requiring delicate control of blood flow.
Due to its vital role in maintaining hemostasis and enabling surgical precision, the prelum arteriale is an essential tool in the field of surgery. Its proper and skilled use is crucial for ensuring a successful outcome of complex surgical procedures while minimizing intraoperative complications related to bleeding.
Tourniquet.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "prelum arteriale" is a Latin phrase that translates to "arterial pressure" in English. Let's break down the etymology of this phrase:
1. Prelum: The Latin word "prelum" means "press" or "pressure". It is derived from the verb "premere", which means "to press" or "to squeeze".
2. Arteriale: The word "arteriale" is an adjective in Latin that pertains to the arteries. It is derived from the noun "arteria", which means "artery".
So, when combined, "prelum arteriale" literally means "arterial pressure" or the pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries.