Decompression

decompression /de·com·pres·sion/ (de?kom-presh´un) removal of pressure, especially from deep-sea divers and caisson workers to prevent bends, and from persons ascending to great heights.

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cardiac decompression  decompression of heart.

cerebral decompression  relief of intracranial pressure by removal of a skull flap and incision of the dura mater.

decompression of heart  pericardiotomy with evacuation of a hematoma.

microvascular decompression  a microsurgical procedure for relief of trigeminal neuralgia.

nerve decompression  relief of pressure on a nerve by surgical removal of the constricting fibrous or bony tissue.

decompression of pericardium  decompression of heart.

decompression of spinal cord  surgical relief of pressure on the spinal cord, which may be due to hematoma, bone fragments, etc.

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de·com·pres·sion (dkm-prshn)

n.

1. The relief of pressure on a body part by surgery.

2. The restoration of deep-sea divers and caisson workers to atmospheric pressure by means of a decompression chamber.

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Decompression

A decrease in pressure from the surrounding water that occurs with decreasing diving depth.

Mentioned in: Gas Embolism, Recompression Treatment

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decompression,

n 1. a technique used to readapt an individual to normal atmospheric pressure after exposure to higher pressures, as in diving.
n 2. the removal of pressure caused by gas or fluid in a body cavity such as the stomach or intestinal tract.

decompression, nerve,

n the release of pressure on a nerve trunk by surgical widening of the bony canal.

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decompression

1. the return to normal environmental pressure after exposure to greatly increased pressure.

2. the artificial lowering of barometric pressure, e.g. to simulate high altitude.

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cerebral decompression

removal of a flap of the skull and incision of the dura mater for the purpose of relieving intracranial pressure. Decompression can also be accomplished by the intravenous injection of hypertonic solutions, e.g. mannitol, usually accompanied by parenteral corticosteroids.

gastric decompression

by stomach tube or transperitoneal tap. An essential part of treatment for acute gastric dilatation in dogs and horses.