Stirrup anastomosis is a medical term that refers to a surgical procedure that aims to restore blood flow in the ear canal. The pronunciation of this term is [ˈstɪrəp əˌnæstəˈmoʊsɪs], which can be broken down into separate phonetic units. The first part, "stirrup," is pronounced as [ˈstɪrəp], referring to the small bone in the middle ear. The second word, "anastomosis," is pronounced as [əˌnæstəˈmoʊsɪs], which refers to a surgical connection between two blood vessels or organs. The correct spelling of this term is crucial in medical practice to ensure accurate communication between healthcare professionals.
Stirrup anastomosis refers to a surgical procedure that involves the creation of a connection or communication between blood vessels in the ear called the stapedial artery and the posterior auricular artery. This anastomosis is typically performed as a treatment option for patients who experience hearing loss due to occlusion or blockage of the stapedial artery.
During the procedure, the surgeon uses microvascular techniques to delicately connect the stapedial artery to the posterior auricular artery. This connection allows blood flow to bypass the occluded region and supply the tissues involved in hearing with oxygen and nutrients, hence potentially restoring or improving hearing function.
Stirrup anastomosis is often used in cases where other treatment methods, such as medications or other surgical interventions, have been unsuccessful in resolving the hearing loss caused by stapedial artery occlusion. It is typically performed by highly skilled otolaryngologists or vascular surgeons with expertise in microsurgery.
Postoperative care involves monitoring the patient's recovery and ensuring that there are no complications, such as infection or blood clots. The success of the procedure can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the patient's overall health. Rehabilitation and follow-up audiological evaluations may be necessary to assess the improvement in hearing function following stirrup anastomosis.
Communicating branch from the dorsalis pedis to the external plantar artery, completing the plantar arch.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "stirrup anastomosis" is a medical term used to describe a type of surgical procedure. However, it seems that there is no formal etymology for this specific term because it is a combination of two words and their respective origins:
1. Stirrup: The word "stirrup" comes from the Old English word "stigrap", which originally referred to a climbing rope or a type of ladder. It evolved over time to specifically mean the loop or footrest used for support in horse riding. It further derives from the Old English words "stīgan", meaning "to mount" or "to climb", and "rap", meaning "rope" or "cord".
2. Anastomosis: The word "anastomosis" stems from the Greek term "anastomōsis", which means "a reconnection" or "a joining together".