Medical Terminology Simplified

Surgical removal of the lining of an artery

Endarterectomy is performed on almost any major artery that is diseased or blocked,

such as the carotid or femoral artery.

Endarterectomy of an occluded carotid artery

Carotid endarterectomy reduces the risk of stroke when it is performed on a patient with

moderate or severe stenoses of the artery, with or without a history of transient ischemic

attacks (TIAs). (See Fig. 5–19.)

Chemical injection into a varicose vein that causes inflammation and formation of

fibrous tissue, which closes the vein

When a vein closes, it can no longer fill with blood. In a few weeks the treated varicose

vein fades.

Plastic or restorative surgery on a heart valve to correct a prolapse or stenosis

A special type of valvuloplasty, called balloon valvuloplasty, involves insertion of a

balloon catheter to open a stenotic heart valve. Inflation of the balloon decreases the

constriction.

200 CHAPTER 5• Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems

Electrodes inserted

into cephalic vein

leading to the heart

ICD implanted
Electrodes under the skin
in heart
Right
atrium
Right
ventricle

Lead delivering

electrical shock Electrical charge

Figure 5-18Automatic implantable cardioverter-

defibrillator (AICD).

endarterectomy

ĕnd-ăr-tĕr-ĔK-tō-mē

end-: in, within

arter: artery

-ectomy: excision,

removal

carotid

kă-RŎT-ĭd

sclerotherapy

sklĕr-ō-THĔR-ă-pē

scler/o: hardening;

sclera (white

of the eye)

-therapy: treatment

valvuloplasty

VĂL-vū-lō-plăs-tē

valvul/o: valve

-plasty: surgical repair