Glossary

A

abdomen: The area of the trunk between rib cage and pelvis.
ACE inhibitor: Drug to lower high blood pressure in the case of arterial hypertension.
acetylsalicylic acid (ASA): Drug inhibiting blood clotting (aspirin).
adult: grown-up
anastomosis: Connection between two anatomical structures
angiography: Visual representation of the blood vessels by X-ray.
antiaggregation: inhibition of blood clotting
anticoagulation: inhibition of blood clotting
aorta: Major artery
aortic valve: Heart valve between the left ventricle and the aorta.
apex: Tip of the heart
artery: Large, muscular blood vessels in which the blood flows away from the heart.
axial pump: An axial pump continuously delivers the blood parallel to the pump shaft (axial).

beta blocker: Group of drugs used as standard to treat heart failure.
biocompatibility: Biocompatible implants have no significant negative impact on the body.
biventricular: Affecting both ventricles.
blood vessel: Tubular hollow bodies through which the blood reaches the individual organs and cells.
blood transfusion: In the event of a major blood loss, e.g. during an operation, compatible packed red blood cells are fed to the patient through the vein.
blood thinner(s): Drug reducing the ability of blood to clot and thus preventing the formation of clots.
Bridge to Destination (BTD): Therapeutic objective for therapy with a ventricular assist device (VAD).
Bridge to Recovery (BTR): Therapeutic objective for therapy with a ventricular assist device (VAD).
Bridge to Transplant (BTT): Therapeutic objective for therapy with a ventricular assist device (VAD).
BVAD: Acronym for "Bi-Ventricular Assist Device"