Hypothermia, surgical

The deliberate reduction of body temperature to prolong the period for which the vital organs can safely be deprived of their normal blood supply during open heart surgery. Cold reduces the rate of metabolism in tissues and thus increases their tolerance to lack of oxygen. Cooling may be achieved by continuously instilling cold saline at about 4°C into the open chest cavity.

 

Online Medical Dictionary: Your essential reference to over 5000 medical terms.