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  • Ablation
    The removal of a body part or the destruction of its function through a surgical procedure or morbid process, or the presence or application of a noxious substance.
  • Absence Seizure (petit mal seizure)
    Generalized seizure characterized by abrupt cessation of ongoing activity with a blank stare and lost or impaired consciousness lasting on average 10-20 seconds.
  • Acute Rejection
    The host recognizes the graft as foreign and mounts an immunological attack on the graft tissues. Most acute rejections occur in the first year.
  • Allocation
    The process of determining how organs are distributed. Allocation includes the system of policies and guidelines, which ensure that organs are distributed in an equitable, ethical and medically sound manner.
  • Allograft
    An organ or tissue that is transplanted from one person to another of the same species: i.e. human-to-human. Example: a transplanted kidney.
  • Alpha 1-Antittrypsin Deficiency
    A genetic disorder caused by defective production of alpha 1-antitrypsin (A1AT), leading to decreased A1AT activity in the blood and lungs. Severe A1AT deficiency causes emphysema and/or COPD in adult life in nearly all people with the condition.
  • Alzheimer's Disease
    A progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by the gradual loss of cognitive skills, such as memory.  Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease. Several changes occur in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. The brain cells shrink or disappear, and are replaced by dense, irregularly-shaped spots, or plaques. Another indicator of the disease is thread-like tangles within existing brain cells. These tangles eventually choke healthy brain cells. This shrinkage will continue over time, affecting how the brain functions.
  • Anastomosis (pl. Anastomoses)
    The connection of 2 structures. In transplant, refers to the joining of the transplant organ to the recipient’s body.
  • Aneurysm
    An abnormal bulge in the wall of an artery. Normally, the walls of arteries are thick and muscular, allowing them to withstand a large amount of pressure. Occasionally, however, a weak area develops in the wall of an artery. This allows the pressure within the artery to push outwards, creating a bulge or ballooned area called an "aneurysm." Aneurysms can form in any blood vessel, but they occur most commonly in the aorta (aortic aneurysm).
  • Angina
    A type of chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease.  Angina is typically described as squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in the chest. Many people with angina say it feels like someone is standing on their chest
  • Angiogram
    An x-ray of the arteries (blood vessels) taken with the aid of a dye injected into the body to get a clearer picture.
  • Angioplasty
    The reconstitution or recanalization of a blood vessel; may involve balloon dilation, mechanical stripping of intima, forceful injection of fibrinolytics, or placement of a stent
  • Anterior
    The front portion of the body. It is often used to indicate the position of one structure relative to another.
  • Antibody
    A protein molecule produced by the immune system in response to a foreign body, such as a virus or a transplanted organ. Since antibodies fight the transplanted organ and try to reject it, recipients are required to take anti-rejection (immunosuppressive) drugs.
  • Antigen
    An antigen is any substance that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against it. An antigen may be a foreign substance from the environment such as chemicals, bacteria, viruses, pollen, or foreign tissues.
  • Anti-Rejection Drugs (immunosuppressive drugs)
    Drugs that are used to prevent and/or treat rejection of a transplanted organ.
  • Aorta
    The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
  • Apheresis
    A procedure to withdraw plasma or cells from the patient’s/donor’s blood with a machine. Used to remove diseased plasma or excessive white cells.
  • Arrhythmia
    Irregular heart beat
  • Arteriosclerosis
    A hardening of the arteries.  Over time, too much pressure in the arteries can make the walls thick and stiff, sometimes restricting blood flow to organs and tissues.  Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis, but the terms are often used interchangeably.  Although atherosclerosis is often considered a heart problem, it can affect arteries anywhere in the body
  • Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
    A tangle of abnormal and poorly formed arteries and veins that can be found anywhere in the body. They are very rare and occur in less than 1% of the general population. AVMs that occur in the coverings of the brain are called Dural AVMs.
  • Arthritis
    Inflammation of a joint usually characterized by swelling, pain, and restriction of motion.
  • Ascites
    Build-up of fluid in the abdomen usually associated with liver disease.
  • Atherosclerosis
    A buildup of fats in the lining of the arteries.
  • Auditory Evoked Response Testing
    Measures the electrical activity generated by sound that travels from the inner ear to the brainstem.
  • Autogenous Bone
    Bone originating from the same individual; meaning, an individual's own bone.
  • Autograft Bone
    Bone transplanted from one part to another part of the body in the same individual.
  • Autologous
    When cells, tissues or organs are transplanted into the same person from whom they were recovered (e.g. blood).
  • Bacteria
    Small organisms (germs) that can cause disease.
  • Balance
    Balance is our physical sense of where we are in our environment. A complicated set of structures in our inner ears works with our eyes and our arms and legs to tell us whether we are up or down, moving or still.
  • Bile
    A fluid produced by the liver, stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to help the body digest fats.
  • Bile Leak
    A hole in the bile duct resulting in bile spilling into the abdomen.
  • Bile Tube
    A tube placed in the bile duct allowing bile to drain into a bag outside of the body.
  • Biliary Stenosis
    A narrowing or constriction of the bile duct.
  • Biliary Tree
    The passageways that carry bile to the intestine located inside and outside of the liver.
  • Biopsy
    A tissue sample from the body, removed and examined under a microscope to diagnose for disease, determine organ rejection, or assess donated organs or tissues.
  • Bladder
    A hollow organ that stores the urine received from your kidneys. During urination, the bladder empties through a tube called the urethra.
  • Blood Vessels
    The veins, arteries and capillaries through which blood flows in the body. Certain blood vessels can be donated and transplanted.
  • BMI (Body Mass Index)
    A measure of body size.
  • Bone Density
    A test which measures the density of minerals, like calcium, in your bones. This information is used to estimate the strength of your bones.
  • Bone Plate
    Usually a relatively thin metal device which is affixed to bone via screws. Bone plates are used to immobilize bones or bone fragments such that healing can occur.
  • Bone Screw
    A threaded metal device which is inserted into bone. The functions of bone screws are to immobilize bones or bone fragments or to affix other medical devices, such as metal bone plates, to bones.
  • Bradykinesia
    Slowness of movement.
  • Brain Death
    Irreversible cessation of cerebral and brain stem function; characterized by absence of electrical activity in the brain, blood flow to the brain, and brain function as determined by clinical assessment of responses. A brain dead person is dead, although his or her cardiopulmonary functioning may be artificially maintained for some time.
  • Bronchiestasis
    A condition that results from injury to the bronchi and bronchial tubes in the lungs. This damages the tiny hairs (cilia) that line the inside of the airways. Damaged cilia can't do their job of sweeping dirt and mucus out of the lungs. This can lead to a multitude of infections.
  • Bypass Surgery
    A surgical bypass operation performed to shunt (divert) blood around an obstruction in a coronary artery that usually involves grafting one end of a segment of vein removed from another part of the body into the aorta and the other end into the coronary artery beyond the obstructed area to allow for increased blood flow.
  • Cadaveric
    Pertaining to a deceased person.
  • Cadaveric Transplant
    The transplant of an organ from a deceased donor. The preferred term is Deceased Donor Transplant.
  • Cardiac
    Having to do with, or referring to, the heart.
  • Cardiologist
    A specialist who is an expert in diseases of the heart and associated blood vessels.
  • Cardiomyopathy
    Any disease of the heart muscle that causes a reduction in the force of heart contractions and a resultant decrease in efficiency of blood circulation.
  • Cardiomyopathy
    A type of progressive heart disease in which the heart is abnormally enlarged, thickened and/or stiffened. As a result, the heart muscle's ability to pump blood is weakened
  • Carotid Arteries
    arteries supplying blood to the brain.
  • Catheter
    A tubular instrument to allow passage of fluid from or into a body cavity or blood vessel. Generally, a catheter designed to be passed through the urethra into the bladder to drain it of urine.
  • Central Nervous System (CNS)
    Brain and spine cord.
  • Cerebral Aneurysm
    A bulge or balloon like dilatation/swelling of the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. It is a weakening in the wall with a propensity to rupture.
  • Cervical
    The neck region of the spine containing the first seven vertebrae.
  • CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)
    Any condition that causes the heart to lose it’s pumping ability to pump blood effectively. Fluid backs up in the lungs and may also accumulate in the legs and abdomen.
  • Chronic
    Developing slowly and lasting for a long time, possibly the rest of a person's life. For example: chronic kidney failure.
  • Chronic Rejection
    A slow, continuous immunological attack of the patient’s immune system on the transplanted organ usually resulting in progressive loss of organ function.
  • Cirrhosis
    A disease of the liver in which normal, healthy tissue is replaced with nonfunctioning fibrous scar tissue and healthy, functioning liver cells are lost; usually occurs when there is a lack of adequate nutrition, an infection or damage caused by alcohol abuse.
  • Clinic Visit
    A scheduled date and time that the patient comes into the transplant clinic to meet with a variety of multidisciplinary team members to receive comprehensive care pre and post transplant.
  • CMV (Cytomegalovirus)
    A virus that lies dormant (asleep) in the body and can be reactivated after transplantation causing flu like illness, pneumonia and/or gastrointestinal ulcers.
  • Coccyx
    The region of the spine below the sacrum. It is also known as the tailbone.
  • Cognitive Disorders
    Cognitive disorders include memory impairment, concentration difficulties
  • Cognitive Function
    conscious intellectual activity, such as the ability to think, reason, remember, imagine, or learn words
  • Coma
    A state of unarousable unresponsiveness with closed eyes, no speech, and no purposeful movements.
  • Complex Partial Seizure
    A seizure in which there is a loss of awareness and the person appears dazed and confused. The person will exhibit meaningless behaviours such as random walking, mumbling, head turning, or pulling at clothing. The person cannot recall these behaviours after the seizure.
  • Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scan)
    A noninvasive, painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body and a computer to join them together in cross-sectional views of the area being studied. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed.
  • Computerized Rotational Chair
    Tests vestibulo-ocular reflex by measuring an individual's eye adjustments in response to movements of the head.
  • Concussion
    A traumatic, closed head injury that results in temporary impairment of neurological function.
  • Congenital Heart Disease
    A type of defect or malformation in one or more structures of the heart or blood vessels that occurs before birth. These defects occur while the fetus is developing in the uterus and affect 8-10 out of every 1,000 children. Congenital heart defects may produce symptoms at birth, during childhood and sometimes not until adulthood. In adults, if symptoms are present, they may include: shortness of breath and a limited ability to exercise.
  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
    A type of lung disease in which the lungs are damaged and results in difficulty breathing. The air passageways become partly obstructed impairing airflow in and out of the lungs. They can also become clogged with mucus.
  • Coronary Artery Disease
    The coronary arteries supply blood and oxygen to the heart. When arteries are partially or completely obstructed, the blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle is impaired.
  • Corticosteroid
    A synthetic hormone used to reduce the body's normal immune reaction to infection and foreign tissue, such as a transplanted organ. Prednisone is a corticosteroid.
  • Crossmatch
    A test that determines blood compatibility by mixing blood samples from the donor and the recipient. A positive crossmatch means the donor and recipient are not compatible for transplantation. A negative crossmatch means they are compatible and the transplant may proceed.
  • CT Scan
    A medical imaging method used to obtain more detailed pictures of the inside of the body.
  • Cyclosporine
    A drug used to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ by suppressing the body's defense system. Considered an immunosuppressant or anti-rejection drug.
  • Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
    A chronic, progressive and frequently fatal inherited disease of the body’s mucus glands.It can also affect other organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines.
  • Cytotoxic
    Chemicals that destroy cells or prevent their multiplication.
  • Deceased Donor
    An individual from whom at least one solid organ is recovered for the purpose of transplantation after suffering brain death or cardiac death.
  • Deceased Donor Transplant
    The transplant of an organ from a deceased donor.
  • Delayed Graft Function (DGF)
    A condition in which the transplanted organ does not function properly after the transplant. Many kidneys have a delay before they begin to function adequately.
  • Dementia
    Acquired and sustained loss of memory and other intellectual functions that interferes with daily functioning
  • Denervate
    To deprive an organ of a nerve supply such as cutting the nerve during heart transplant.
  • Diabetes
    A disease in which patients are unable to correctly process sugar within the body.
  • Dialysis
    A mechanical process designed to partially perform kidney functions, including correcting the balance of fluids and chemicals in the body and removing wastes. See Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis.
  • Diastolic Blood Pressure
    The bottom number in the blood pressure measurement (e.g. 80 in a blood pressure of 120/80), indicating the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.
  • Disc (Intervertebral)
    The tough, elastic structure that is between the bodies of Spine vertebrae. The disc consists of an outer annulus fibrosus enclosing an inner nucleus pulposus.
  • Disc Degeneration
    The loss of the structural and functional integrity of the disc.
  • Disc Herniation/Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (HNP)
    A disruption in the exterior portion of the disc (annulus) that allows part or all of the nucleus to leak out.
  • Discectomy
    Surgical removal of part or all of an intervertebral disc.
  • Dizziness
    Dizziness is a general term that describes a number of symptoms such as lightheadedness, giddiness or a feeling of uncertainty about the environment.
  • Donation after Cardiac Death (DCD)
    Recovery of organs from a donor whose heart has irreversibly stopped beating.
  • Donor
    The source of cells, tissues, or organs for use in a recipient, in accordance with established medical criteria and procedures. See deceased donor or living donor.
  • Donor Screening
    The process for determining the suitability of a specific individual for cell, tissue, or organ donation based on medical, social, and sexual history, and physical examination.
  • Donor Suitability Assessment
    The process for determining the suitability of specific individuals for cell, tissue or organ donation based on donor screening and donor testing.
  • Donor Testing
    The process for determining the suitability of a specific individual for cell, tissue, or organ donation based on laboratory tests on a specimen collected from the donor to determine past or present infection with a relevant infectious disease or the presence of a genetic defect.
  • Dyskinesia
    A medical condition in which a person makes involuntary movements
  • Dysphagia
    Difficulty swallowing.
  • Dysphagia
    Difficulty in swallowing. This symptom usually indicates tumors involving the lower brain stem/cranial nerves.
  • Dysphasia
    Impaired speech with difficulty or inability to put words in their proper order. A symptom that may occur with tumors located in the dominant cerebral hemisphere, particularly the temporal and parietal lobe.
  • Dystonia
    An involuntary muscle contraction causing sustained twisted or abnormal posture.
  • EBV (Epstein Barr Virus)
    A virus that lies dormant in the body and can be activated after transplantation causing flu like illness, enlarged lymph nodes and or general malaise.
  • Echocardiogram (2D Echo)
    An ultrasound of the heart which can give 2 dimensional pictures of the heart. This allows assessment of the cardiac valves and function, any abnormal holes between the left and right side of the heart, and pressures in the right side of the heart.
  • Echocardiography
    The use of ultrasound to examine and measure the structure and functioning of the heart, and to diagnose abnormalities and disease.
  • Edema
    Extra fluid in the body tissues. One example is swollen ankles.
  • Edema
    An accumulation of an excessive amount of watery fluid in cells or intercellular tissues. At the gross level, used to describe the physical sign commonly likened to swelling or increased girth that often accompanies the accumulation of fluid in a body part, most often a limb.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
    Records the electrical activity of the heart.
  • Electrolyte
    A normal substance in your body that conducts electricity. Electrolytes include calcium, chloride, phosphate and potassium.
  • Electronystagmogram (ENG) Balance Test
    Detects abnormal eye movements and damage to the inner ear.
  • Electrophysiology
    Electrical phenomena associated with a physiological process (as the function of a body or bodily part).
  • Emphysema
    A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is characterized by loss of elasticity in the lung tissue.
  • End-Stage Organ Disease
    A disease that leads to the permanent failure of an organ.
  • Epilepsy
    Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes signals to be sent improperly from the brain. These confused signals cause seizures (involuntary sensations, movements or convulsions). Epilepsy can begin at any age and can be caused by brain damage or injury, abnormal brain development or an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.
  • Evaluation
    The assessment of cells, tissues, or organs for their suitability for transplantation.
  • Exceptional Release
    The release of cells, tissues, or organs to a transplant program from a donor in whom the donor suitability assessment has identified an increased risk for disease transmission.
  • Explanted Heart
    The diseased heart removed from a patient during heart transplant surgery
  • Extended Criteria (EC) Donor
    An organ donated for transplantation from any brain dead donor who extends beyond the usual criteria for donation. For example, kidneys may be used from a donor that is older than the usual criteria.
  • Extubate
    To remove the endotracheal tube (breathing tube) from the airway (throat).
  • Febrile seizures
    Seizures caused by high fever in children.
  • Fracture
    A disruption of the normal continuity of bone.
  • Frontotemporal Dementia
    A progressive dementia that affects specific areas of the brain - the frontal and temporal lobes - unlike Alzheimer's disease, which generally affects most areas of the brain.
  • Fulminant
    A medical event  that occurs very quickly with an acute onset, as in fulminant liver failure.
  • Fusion
    Union or healing of bone.
  • Gallbladder
    A sac attached to the liver that stores bile.
  • Generalized Absence Seizure
    A seizure that is characterized by a 5 to 15 seconds of lapsed consciousness where the person appears to be staring into space and his/her eyes may roll upwards.
  • Gingival Hypertrophy
    Enlargement of the gums. It is a side effect of the medication cyclosporine.
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
    A measure used to determine kidney function, the GFR indicates the kidney's ability to filter and remove waste products.
  • Graft
    A transplanted organ or tissue.
  • Graft Failure
    When the transplanted organ stops functioning.
  • Graft Survival
    The length of time an organ functions successfully after being transplanted.
  • Grand Mal Seizure
    A seizure characterized by initial contraction of the muscles which may involve tongue biting and urinary incontinence, followed by rhythmic muscle contractions
  • Heart Attack
    A myocardial infarction (MI), is permanent damage to the heart muscle. "Myo" means muscle, "cardial" refers to the heart and "infarction" means death of tissue due to lack of blood supply.
  • Heart Failure
    Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped working. Rather, it means that the heart's pumping power is weaker than normal. With heart failure, blood moves through the heart and body at a slower rate, and pressure in the heart increases. As a result, the heart cannot pump enough oxygen and nutrients to meet the body's needs.
  • Hemodialysis
    A treatment for kidney failure where the patient's blood is passed through a filtering membrane (or artificial kidney) to remove excess fluid and wastes.
  • Hemodynamic
    The study of the forces involved in the circulation of the blood.
  • Hemorrhagic Stroke
    A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in or around the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel.
  • Hemorrhagic Stroke
    Occur when a blood vessel in the brain breaks or ruptures. The result is blood seeping into the brain tissue, causing damage to brain cells. The most common causes of hemorrhagic stroke are high blood pressure and brain aneurysms.
  • Hepatic
    Having to do with, or referring to, the liver.
  • Hepatitis
    A viral infection or non-specific inflammation of the liver that can lead to liver failure. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver failure that leads to transplantation.
  • Hepatologist
    A specialist who is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.
  • Herpes
    A family of viruses infecting humans and causing lip sores, genital sores and shingles.
  • High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
    When the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels is higher than normal because the blood vessels have either become less elastic or have gotten smaller. High blood pressure causes the heart to pump harder to move blood through the body. High blood pressure can cause kidney failure and heart disease if not treated.
  • Hirsutism
    An excessive increase in hair growth which is a side effect of corticosteroids and cyclosporine.
  • Histocompatibility
    The examination of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) in a patient often referred to as "tissue typing" or "cross matching." Tissue typing is routinely performed for all donors and recipients in kidney and pancreas transplantation to help match the donor with the most suitable recipients to help decrease the likelihood of rejecting the transplanted organ. See Human Leukocyte Antigen System (HLA System).
  • HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) System
    A genetically determined series of markers (antigens) present on human white blood cells (leukocytes) and on tissues that are important in histocompatibility.
  • Holter Monitor
    A technique for long-term (usually on an out-patient basis), continuous, recording of electrocardiographic signals on magnetic tape for scanning and selection of significant but fleeting changes that might otherwise escape notice.
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
    The virus destroys cells in the immune system, which makes it difficult for the body to fight off infections, toxins, poisons, or diseases. HIV causes AIDS, a late stage of the virus characterized by serious infections, malignancies and neurological dysfunctions.
  • Hypertension
    High blood pressure; transitory or sustained elevation of systemic arterial blood pressure to a level likely to induce cardiovascular damage or other adverse consequences
  • Hypotension
    Reduced (subnormal) arterial blood pressure
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic disease causing inflammation and scarring of the air sacs and tissues of the lung.
  • Idiopathic
    Of unknown cause.
  • Immune Response
    The body's natural defense against foreign objects or organisms, such as bacteria, viruses or transplanted organs.
  • Immune System
    The organs, tissues, cells and cell products in your body that work to find and neutralize foreign substances including bacteria, viruses and transplanted organs.
  • Immunity
    A condition of being able to resist a particular infectious disease.
  • Immunosuppressant
    A medication that reduces your immune system to prevent rejection of your transplanted organ.
  • Immunosuppression
    Prevention or inhibition of the immune system to respond to foreign substances in the body.
  • Immunosuppressive
    Relating to the weakening or reducing of your immune system's responses to foreign material; immunosuppressive drugs reduce your immune system's ability to reject a transplanted organ.
  • Implant
    To insert or fix in a living site (as for growth, slow release, or formation of an organic union)
  • Induction Therapy
    Medications given for a short finite period in the perioperative period for the purpose of preventing acute rejection. Though the drugs may be continued after discharge for the first 30 days after transplant, it will not be used long-term for immunosuppressive maintenance.
  • Infection
    A condition that occurs when a foreign substance, such as bacteria, enters your body, causing your immune system to fight the intruder. All transplant recipients can get infections more easily because their immune systems are suppressed. It is more difficult for them to recover from infection (such as urinary tract infections, colds and the flu).
  • Inflammation
    The swelling, heat and redness produced when the body is injured or infected.
  • Informed Consent
    A person's voluntary agreement, based upon adequate knowledge and understanding of relevant information, to participate in research or to undergo a diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive procedure.
  • Interstitial Lung Disease
    Refers to a group of lung disorders in which the deep lung tissues become inflamed and scarred.
  • Interventional Cardiology
    An important part of treatment for patients with disease of the heart, blood vessels or coronary artery disease. These treatments involve “intervening” to open blocked or clogged arteries to improve blood flow to and from the heart.  Examples of interventional treatments: angioplasty, stents, and clot extraction.
  • Ischemic Stroke
    Similar to a heart attack, except it occurs in the blood vessels of the brain. Clots can form either in the brain's blood vessels, in blood vessels leading to the brain or even blood vessels elsewhere in the body which then travel to the brain. These clots block blood flow to the brain's cells. Ischemic stroke can also occur when too much plaque (fatty deposits and cholesterol) clogs the brain's blood vessels. About 80% of all strokes are of this nature.
  • Ischemic Stroke
    A stroke caused by a clot that interrupts blood flow to the brain
  • Jaundice
    A yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by excess bile products in the blood; a common sign of liver disease.
  • Kidneys
    A pair of organs that remove wastes from the body through the production of urine. All of the blood in the body passes through the kidneys about 20 times every hour. Kidneys can be donated from living and deceased donors and transplanted into patients with kidney failure.
  • Kyphosis
    A posterior curvature of the thoracic spine usually the result of a disease (lung disease, Paget’s disease) or a congenital problem.
  • Laminectomy
    An operation for removal of part or all of the lamina of a vertebra, commonly performed in order to be able to remove an intervertebral disc protrusion or to decompress a nerve root.
  • Laproscopic Surgery
    A type of surgery that uses a tube containing a tiny camera that allows the surgeon to see inside the abdominal cavity. Incisions made during this type of surgery tend to be smaller than with conventional types of surgery.
  • Leukocyte
    A white blood cell.
  • Lewy Body Dementia
    Lewy body Dementia is a form of progressive dementia identified by abnormal structures in brain cells called "Lewy bodies".
  • Liver
    The largest organ in the body, made up of a spongy mass of wedge-shaped lobes. The liver secretes bile, which aids in digestion, helps process proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, and stores substances like vitamins. It also removes wastes from the blood. A living donor can give part of their liver, after which the liver will regenerate itself in both the donor and recipient.
  • Living Donor
    A living donor is a living person who donates an organ (e.g. kidney) or segment of an organ (e.g. liver or lung) for the intent of transplantation.
  • Lordosis
    An abnormal increase in the normal curvature of the lumbar spine.
  • Lumbar
    The lower part of the spine between the thoracic region and the sacrum. The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae.
  • Lung Perfusion Scan
    A nuclear medicine test that produces a picture of the blood flow to the lungs.
  • LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device)
    A mechanical device implanted into a patient with left heart failure that assists the left ventricle in providing circulation of blood.
  • Marfan Syndrome
    An inherited disease that affects the connective tissue. Connective tissue is the most abundant tissue in the body and is a vital component to supporting the body's organs. Its primary purpose is to hold the body together and provide a framework for growth and development. It provides the strength and support to tendons, cartilage, heart valves and many other parts of the body, as well as strength and elasticity to the blood vessels.
  • Match
    The compatibility between the donor and the recipient. The more appropriate the match, the greater the chance of a successful transplant.
  • MIBI Stress Test
    This test measures the blood flow to the heart during physical exercise. This finds out the amount of stress that your heart can manage before developing either an abnormal heart rhythm or evidence of ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart muscle). This can help assess the patient for any risk of coronary artery disease.
  • Microspirometry
    A piece of medical equipment, which measures lung volume. This allows the lung transplant team to identify possible early rejection, infection or narrowing of the airways and to institute treatment before the transplant lungs are damaged.
  • MUGA (Multi Gated Acquisition) Scan
    A nuclear medicine test to evaluate the heart ventricles. It provides movie like images of the beating heart. This allows the doctor to determine the health of the hearts major pumping chambers.
  • Multidisciplinary
    Relating to or making use of several disciplines at once (e.g. physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, etc.).
  • Myasthenia gravis
    A chronic neuromuscular disorder that produces weakness and abnormally rapid fatigue of the voluntary muscles.
  • Myelopathy
    Deterioration or disease of the Spine cord.
  • Myocardial Infarction
    See "Heart Attack".
  • Nephrologist
    A specialist in the treatment of kidney disease.
  • Nerve Block
    An injection of medication directly into or around a nerve or group of nerves to provide regional pain relief.
  • Neurogenic claudication
    Painful walking due to compression of the neural structures of the lumbar region.
  • Neurologist
    A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases of the brain, spine and other parts of the nervous system.
  • Neuromuscular Disorder
    A progressive disorder caused by the improper functioning of nerves and muscles in the body. These muscles weaken and waste away over time, making it difficult to speak, breathe or move.
  • Neuropathic Pain
    Pain originating from the malfunctioning of the nervous system.
  • Neurosurgeon
    A surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and surgical management of disorders and diseased of the brain, spine and other parts of the nervous system.
  • Neuro-urology
    A specialty focusing on disorders or conditions of the bladder, urinary tract, kidneys and genitalia related to neurological disorders and Spine injuries
  • Nurse Practitioner
    Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) are registered nurses with a Masters degree in Nursing who have specialized knowledge and skills in their chosen field. They provide special services such as physical examinations and can prescribe many of the same medications as your doctor. They work together with the rest of your health care team.
  • Organ
    A part of the body made up of tissues and cells that enable it to perform a particular function. Transplantable organs are the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, stomach and intestines.
  • Organ Donation
    To give an organ or a part of an organ to be transplanted into another person. Organ donation can occur with a deceased donor, who can give kidneys, pancreas, liver, lungs, heart, intestinal organs, and with a live donor, who can give a kidney, or a portion of the liver, lung, or intestine.
  • Organ Preservation
    Methods used to preserve organs while they are out of the body, between procurement from a donor and transplantation into a recipient.
  • Organ Procurement
    The removal or retrieval of organs from a donor for transplantation.
  • Organogenesis
    The study of the process of organ formation.
  • Osteophyte
    A bony outgrowth or protuberance.
  • Osteoporosis
    A disorder in which bone is abnormally brittle, less dense, and is the result of a number of different diseases and abnormalities.
  • Oximetry Testing
    A non-invasive procedure that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood.
  • Pacemaker
    Biologically, any rhythmic center that establishes a pace of activity. An artificial regulator of rate activity.
  • Pancreas
    Irregularly shaped gland that lies behind the stomach and secretes pancreatic enzymes into the small intestines to aid in the digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Islet cells within the pancreas secrete glucagon, which regulates blood sugar levels and insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels. If the pancreas fails, the individual becomes diabetic, and may need to take insulin. The pancreas can be donated and transplanted.
  • Paresthesia
    Abnormal sensation (for example, burning, pins and needles).
  • Parkinson’s Disease
    Parkinson's Disease is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative illness characterized by: tremor, stiffness (rigidity), slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and difficulty with balance (postural instability). The symptoms appear when there is not enough dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a naturally occurring chemical (neurotransmitter) that allows nerve cells to transmit messages between each other and then to muscles to allow normal movement to take place.
  • PCP (Pneomocystis carinii pneumonia)
    A type of pneumonia seen primarily in patients whose immune systems are suppressed.
  • Pericardial Disease
    Also known as pericarditis, is inflammation of any of the layers of the pericardium. The pericardium is a thin fibrous membrane sac that surrounds the heart and consists of: An inner layer (visceral pericardium) that envelopes the entire heart.  An outer layer (parietal pericardium) comprising the outer fibrous sac.  A middle fluid layer to prevent friction between the parietal pericardium and visceral pericardium.
  • Peritoneal dialysis
    A treatment technique for kidney failure that uses the patient's own body tissues inside of the abdominal cavity to act as a filter. The intestines lie in the abdominal cavity, the space between the abdominal wall and the spine. A plastic tube called a "dialysis catheter" is placed through the abdominal wall into the abdominal cavity. A special fluid is then flushed into the abdominal cavity and washes around the intestines. The lining (peritoneum) of the abdominal cavity and of intra-abdominal organs acts as a filter between this fluid and the blood stream. By using different types of solutions, waste products and excess water can be removed from the body through this process.
  • Physiotherapist
    A health care professional trained in using exercise and physical activity to condition muscles and improve one's level of activity. Physiotherapists are trained to evaluate and improve movement and function of the body, with particular attention to physical mobility, balance, posture, fatigue and pain.
  • Plasmapheresis
    A process in which plasma is removed from blood and the remaining components, mostly red blood cells, are returned to the donor. The process may be used in transplantation to remove pre-formed antibodies.
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
    A hereditary condition that results in the formation of cysts throughout the kidneys.
  • Posterior
    Located behind a structure, such as relating to the back side of the human body.
  • PRA (Panel Reactive Antibody)
    A way of measuring immune system activity within the body. PRA is higher when more antibodies are being made. The PRA reflects the percentage of cells from a panel of donors with which a potential recipient makes antibodies (is sensitized) against. For example, a patient with a PRA of 80 percent will be incompatible with 80 percent of potential donors. A patient may become sensitized as a result of pregnancy, a blood transfusion, or a previous transplant.
  • Procurement
    The surgical procedure of removing an organ from a donor. Also referred to as recovery.
  • Prophylactic Medication
    Medication that helps prevent disease.
  • Psychiatrist and/or Psychiatric Nurse
    Are medical doctors and registered nurses who specialize in treating and caring for people with mental illness or mental or emotional distress.
  • PTLD (Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease)
    A problem that occurs in transplant patients and is believed to be caused by an interaction between immunosuppression medications and a chronic viral infection called EBV (Epstein Barr Virus)
  • Pulmonary
    Having to do with, or referring to, the lungs.
  • Pulmonary Function Tests
    Are a group of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they move oxygen into the blood.
  • Pulmonary Hypertension
    An increase in the blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs, often there is no reason can be found. Increased lung pressures cause added strain on the heart.
  • Radiculitis
    Inflammation of a nerve root in the spine canal.
  • Radiculopathy
    Pain and neurologic deficit caused by injury to a nerve root.
  • Recipient
    A person who receives a transplant.
  • Recovery (Organ)
    The surgical procedure of removing an organ from a donor.
  • Rejection
    A phenomenon that occurs when a recipient’s immune system attacks a transplanted organ, tissue, or cell. Immunosuppressive drugs help prevent or treat rejection.
  • Renal
    Having to do with, or referring to, the kidneys.
  • Respirologist
    A medical specialist who is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases.
  • Retransplantation
    Due to rejection or failure of a transplanted organ, some patients receive another transplant.
  • Retrieval
    The surgical procedure of organ recovery. Also referred to as procurement.
  • Sacculocolic Reflex Test
    Tests a person’s perception of gravity.
  • Sciatica
    A lay term indicating pain along the course of a sciatic nerve, especially noted in the back of the thigh and below the knee.
  • Scleral coil search study
    Measures eye movements more accurately than any means available.
  • Scleroderma
    A chronic autoimmune disease. The systemic form can affect multiple organs like the lungs, kidneys and heart.
  • Scoliosis
    A congenital lateral curvature of the spine.
  • Seizures
    Involuntary movements or convulsions.
  • Sensitized
    The ability to develop an immune response to an antigen by being exposed to it at some other time.
  • Shingles
    A condition caused by a virus that lies dormant in a nerve root after having chicken pox and when activated can cause blisters and pain in an area of the body.
  • Simple Partial Seizure
    A seizure in which a person experiences a range of strange or unusual sensations, such as sudden jerky movements of one body part, distortions in sight or smell, a sudden sense of fear or anxiety, stomach discomfort, or dizziness.
  • Six Minute Walk
    This is a self paced test where the patient walks as far as they can in six minutes on a flat surface. This measures the exercise tolerance (endurance), muscle strength and oxygen needed for exercise.
  • Sleep Apnea
    Brief periods of recurrent cessation of breathing during sleep that is caused by obstruction of the airway or a disturbance in the brain's respiratory center and is associated especially with excessive daytime sleepiness.
  • Sleep Disorders
    Sleep disorders involve any difficulties related to sleeping, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, falling asleep at inappropriate times, excessive total sleep time, or abnormal behaviors associated with sleep.
  • Social Worker
    A social worker usually meets with all transplant patients and their families to review each individual's situation and family supports. This person can advise the patient about financial and medication coverage issues. They also can provide supportive counseling for the patient and their family before and after transplant.
  • Spilt Liver
    A split liver transplant occurs when the donor liver is divided into segments and then transplanted. These segments may be transplanted into more than one recipient, or a segment may go to a child for whom an entire adult liver would be too large.
  • Spine Cord
    The longitudinal cord of nerve tissue that is enclosed in the Spine canal. It serves not only as a pathway for nervous impulses to and from the brain, but as a centre for carrying out and coordinating many reflex actions independently of the brain. View a Spine Map.
  • Spine Fusion
    A surgical procedure to permanently join bone by interconnecting two or more vertebrae in order to prevent motion.
  • Spine Stenosis
    Reduction in the diameter of the Spine canal due to new bone formation which may result in pressure on the Spine cord or nerve roots.
  • Spirometry
    Part of the pulmonary function testing. In a spirometry test, you breathe into a mouthpiece that is connected to an instrument called a spirometer. The spirometer records the amount and the rate of air that you breathe in and out over a period of time.
  • Spondylitis
    Inflammation of vertebrae.
  • Spondylolithesis
    The slippage of a vertebra in relation to adjacent vertebra.
  • Spondylosis
    Degenerative changes that occur in the vertebrae at the articulation points (for example, arthritis of the spine)
  • Status
    An indication of the degree of medical urgency for patients awaiting heart or liver transplants.
  • Stem Cells
    An unspecialized cell that gives rise to differentiated cells.
  • Stenosis
    A stricture or narrowing of any canal or orifice.
  • Stent
    Interventional procedure that uses a small wire mesh tubes to support the artery wall and keep arteries open
  • Sternotomy
    A type of incision in the centre of the chest, that separates the sternum (chest bone) to allow access to the heart.
  • Steroids
    Naturally occurring hormones in the body that help control important body functions. Synthetic or man-made steroids can be used to suppress the immune system.
  • Stress Test
    Any standardized procedure for assessing the effect of stress on cardiac function and myocardial perfusion. Stress may be induced by physical exercise or simulated by administration of a coronary vasodilator. Heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram are monitored before, during, and after the challenge.
  • Stroke
    A sudden loss of brain function. It is caused by the interruption of flow of blood to the brain (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of blood vessels in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
  • Survival Rates
    Survival rates indicate the percentage of patients that are alive and the grafts (organs) that are still functioning after a certain amount of time.
  • Syringomyelia
    Fluid filled cavity within the Spine cord.
  • Systolic Blood Pressure
    The top number in the blood pressure (the 120 in a blood pressure of 120/80) measures the maximum pressure exerted on the vessel wall when the heart contracts.
  • Thoracic
    Having to do with, or referring to the organs located in the chest.
  • Thoracic Surgeon
    A doctor who performs surgery on the lungs, heart and other organs in the chest. They are involved in the patient evaluation and selection for lung transplant. The surgeon performs the transplant operation and manages the post-operative surgical recovery.
  • Thoracic
    The chest level region of the spine that is located between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. It consists of 12 vertebrae which serve as attachment points for ribs.
  • Thoracotomy
    The process of making an incision (cut) into the chest wall.
  • Thrush
    A fungus infection in the mouth and throat.
  • Tissue
    An organization of a great many similar cells that perform a special function. Examples of tissues that can be transplanted are blood, bones, bone marrow, corneas, heart valves, ligaments, saphenous veins, and tendons.
  • Tissue Engineering
    The use of a combination of cells, engineering, and materials methods, and suitable biochemical and physio-chemical factors to improve or replace biological functions.  The term regenerative medicine is often used synonymously with tissue engineering, although those involved in regenerative medicine place more emphasis on the use of stem cells to produce tissues.
  • Tissue Typing
    A blood test that helps evaluate how closely the tissues of the donor match those of the recipient.
  • Tourette's Syndrome
    An inherited condition that causes a certain part of your brain to function incorrectly. It causes an excessive activity of dopamine, a brain chemical that normally controls our body's movements. Some cases of Tourette's syndrome may be caused by an immune reaction to a streptococcal infection, or by other unknown environmental factors.
  • Tracheostomy
    A surgical procedure on the neck to open a direct airway through an incision in the windpipe (trachea).
  • Transient Ischemic Attack
    Commonly know as a stoke.   It occurs when blood flow to an area in the brain is cut off. The brain cells, deprived of the oxygen and glucose needed to survive, die. If not caught early, permanent brain damage can result.  There are two types of stokes: Ischemic Hemorrhagic.
  • Transplant Assessment Coordinator
    A registered nurse who provides pre-transplant education and coordinates the assessment and listing of the patient for transplant.
  • Transplant Centre
    A hospital that has the responsibility for the transplantation of cells, tissues, or organs within the province it serves.
  • Transplant Coordinator
    A registered nurse who follows the patient after their transplant and monitors them for infection and rejection. The transplant coordinator sees patient during their post-transplant clinic visits.
  • Transplantation
    The transfer of cells, tissues, or organs to a recipient.
  • Ultrasound
    A procedure that uses silent sound waves to create pictures of your internal organs. An ultrasound may be used after transplant surgery to ensure your transplanted organ is working.
  • Ureter
    Muscular ducts that move urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder.
  • Urethra
    A tube which connects the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.
  • Valve Disease
    Heart valve disease occurs when the heart valves do not work the way they should. The heart valves lie at the exit of each of the four heart chambers and maintain one-way blood flow through your heart. The four heart valves make sure that blood always flows freely in a forward direction and that there is no backward leakage.
  • Valvular Insufficiency
    Also called regurgitation, incompetence or "leaky valve", this occurs when a valve does not close tightly. If the valves do not seal, some blood will leak backwards across the valve. As the leak worsens, the heart has to work harder to make up for the leaky valve, and less blood may flow to the rest of the body.
  • Valvular Stenosis
    Occurs when a valve opening is smaller than normal due to stiff or fused leaflets. The narrowed opening may make the heart work very hard to pump blood through it. This can lead to heart failure and other symptoms.
  • Varices (esophageal)
    Enlarged and swollen veins at the bottom of the esophagus, near the stomach. A common condition caused by increased venous pressure in the liver. These veins can ulcerate and bleed.
  • Vascular
    Referring to blood vessels and circulation.
  • Vascular Dementia
    Vascular Dementia (VaD) is dementia resulting from a single or multiple strokes.
  • Vascular Disease
    Any condition that affects the circulatory system. As the heart beats, it pumps blood through a system of blood vessels called the circulatory system. The vessels are elastic tubes that carry blood to every part of the body. Arteries carry blood away from the heart while veins return it. Diseases range from diseases of the arteries, veins and lymph vessels to blood disorders that affect circulation.
  • Vascular Malformation
    An abnormal collection of blood vessels. They are two types of vascular malformations: slow flow malformations, involving only the veins or lymph vessels; and high flow, involving the arteries and veins joined together.
  • Ventilator
    A machine that "breathes" for a patient when the patient is not able to breathe properly.
  • Ventricular Fibrillation
    Very rapid uncoordinated fluttering contractions of the ventricles of the heart resulting in loss of synchronization between heartbeat and pulse beat. Abbreviations: VF, V-fib
  • Vertebra
    One of the 33 bones of the Spine column.
  • Vertigo
    Vertigo is a specific kind of dizziness, which causes people to feel they are moving or the environment is moving around them. Vertigo is typically caused by diseases or disorders of the vestibular system (the inner ear) and/or central nervous system pathways that help us maintain balance and orientation in our surroundings.
  • Virus
    A group of tiny organisms capable of growing and copying themselves while living within cells of the body.
  • Volume Reduction Surgery
    A surgical procedure that may be an alternative to lung transplant for patients with emphysema. The goal of the surgery is to reduce the size of the lungs by removing a certain percentage of the most diseased lung tissues so that the remaining healthier portion can perform better.
  • Wait List
    The list of candidates registered to receive an organ transplant.
  • White Blood Cells
    The cells in the blood that fight infection.
  • Xenograft
    An organ or tissue procured from a different species for transplantation into a human.
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