TERMINOLOGY IN THORACIC AND PULMONARY SURGERY
Arterial blood gases (ABGs): A blood test that determines
carbon dioxide, oxygen saturation, and pH of the
blood.
Blebs: Areas of over-distention in lung tissue.
Closed chest drainage: A system of removing air or fluid from the
thoracic cavity and restoring negative pressure so that the lungs
can expand after thoracic surgery or penetrating trauma to the
chest wall.
Diffusion (oxygen): The movement of oxygen from the alveoli and
into the bloodstream.
Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing.
Empyema: A pus-filled area of the lung.
Expiration: The act of breathing out (exhalation).
Hemoptysis: Bloody sputum or bleeding arising from the
respiratory tract.
Hemothorax: The presence of blood in the thoracic cavity or
between the pleural sac and lungs, usually caused by trauma.
Hypoxia: Lower than normal oxygen level.
Inspiration: The act of taking a breath (inhalation).
Perfusion (oxygen): The distribution of oxygen to tissues.
Pneumothorax: Air in the chest cavity, which prevents the lungs
from expanding and may displace the mediastinal structures.
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): Tests performed to measure the
function and strength of the pulmonary system.
Ventilation: The process of moving air into and out of the lungs
during inhalation and exhalation.
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