electromechanical dissociation

dissociation /dis·so·ci·a·tion/ (-so″se-a´shun)

1. the act of separating or state of being separated.

2. the separation of a molecule into two or more fragments produced by the absorption of light or thermal energy or by solvation.

3. segregation of a group of mental processes from the rest of a person's usually integrated functions of consciousness, memory, perception, and sensory and motor behavior.

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atrial dissociation  independent beating of the left and right atria, each with normal rhythm or with one or both having an abnormal rhythm.

atrioventricular dissociation  control of the atria by one pacemaker and of the ventricles by another, independent pacemaker.

electromechanical dissociation  continued electrical rhythmicity of the heart in the absence of effective mechanical function.

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e·lec·tro·me·chan·i·cal dissociation (-lktr-m-kn-kl)

n.

Persistence of electrical activity in the heart without an associated mechanical contraction; it is often a sign of cardiac rupture.

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electromechanical dissociation.

See pulseless electrical activity .

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electromechanical dissociation

when the electrical impulse passes through the system but no movement occurs, e.g. in ECG recordings.

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electromechanical dissociation

Cardiology A pattern of cardiac arrest for which there is often inadequate treatment, characterized by mechanical failure with adequate, albeit occasionally bizarre electrical activity, seen in²⁄₃ of sudden cardiac deaths Management Atropine might be effective; nonpharmacologic interventions–eg MAST suit, pericardiocentesis, fluid challenge, needle thoracostomy, do not improve survival. See Wandering pacemaker.