Select the first letter of a glossary term to jump to the section of the list starting with that letter:
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |
| A | |
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Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) |
AEDs are used to jump-start a heart that has failed due to heart attack or cardiac arrest. It is designed to specifically enable easy use by non-medical personnel. |
| C | |
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Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) |
CRM is part of the medical device industry that focuses on pacing systems, implantable defibrillators, and automatic external defibrillators. |
| Cascaded Integrated Combinatorial (CIC) Filter |
Cascaded integrated combinatorial filters are multirate filters used for realizing large sample rate changes in digital systems. Both decimation and interpolation structures are supported. CIC filters contain no multipliers--they consist only of adders, subtractors, and registers. They are typically employed in applications that have a large excess sample rate; that is, the system sample rate is much larger than the bandwidth occupied by the signal. (Definition provided by The Scientist and Engineer's Guide to Digital Signal Processing. Steven W. Smith, 1997, p568-570) |
| Computerized Tomography (CT) |
A CT scan is an x-ray procedure that is enhanced by a computer. This results in a three-dimensional view (referred to as a "slice") of a particular part of the body. Typical applications include viewing the chest, abdomen, and spinal cord. (Definition provided by St. Joseph Regional Medical Center web site.) |
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| D | |
| Data Acquisition Card (DAC) |
One of the numerous cards found in a diagnostic imaging system. It is responsible for processing data (filtering) in the front end of the system. |
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Data Consolidation Card (DCD) |
One of the numerous cards found in a diagnostic imaging system. Once the data is processed by the data acquisition card, it is fed into the DCD for analysis and buffering. |
| E | |
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External Memory Interface (EMIF) |
Memory interfaces used by digital signal processors. |
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| G | |
| Gantry | Found in CT machines, a gantry rotates around a patient for cross-sectional views. |
| I | |
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Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator( ICD) |
ICDs are similar to pacing systems in that they continuously monitor the heart’s rhythm. ICDs treat tachyarrhythmia (fast heart beat). If the heart beats too quickly, the ICD issues a lifesaving jolt of electricity to restore the heart’s normal rhythm and prevent sudden cardiac death. |
| Intra-Venous (IV) System | IV systems are medicine delivery systems that are commonly found in hospitals. |
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| L | |
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Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) |
LNAs are analog components found in various medical systems. |
| M | |
| Magnetic resource imaging (MRI) |
A patient examination utilizing a magnetic field and radio waves to produce a highly accurate view of the inside of any portion of the body. It is a painless and extremely safe procedure because no radiation is used. Typical fields that use MRIs include neurology and cardiology. (Definition provided by the Columbus Diagnostic Imaging web site.) |
| Modality |
Diagnostic equipment such as X-rays, CTs, etc. |
| Modulation |
The process of manipulating the frequency carrier or amplitude in relation to an incoming video signal. |
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| N | |
| Nuclear/PET |
Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive trace materials to help diagnose and treat a number of diseases. Nuclear medicine differs from X-rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic tests by determining the cause of the medical problem based on the function of the organ, tissue, or bone rather than its structural appearance. Typical applications include cardiology/vascular and tumor diagnosis and treatment. (Definition provided by the Standford Hospital web site.) |
| R | |
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Radiography and Fluoroscopy (RNF) |
A type of diagnostic X-ray. Radiography provides an image of a organ, while fluoroscopy allows a view of the function of the organ. |
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| S | |
| Slip Ring |
Found inside the Gantry , the slip ring provides a continuous electrical connection to the stationary portion of the CT machine. |
| T | |
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Time Gain Control (TGC) |
Analog circuitry found in diagnostic imaging systems. |
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| U | |
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Ultrasound |
Ultrasound is the use of sound waves to obtain a medical image or picture of various organs and tissues in the body. It is a painless and safe procedure. Ultrasound produces very precise images of soft tissue (heart, blood vessels, uterus, bladder, etc.) and reveals internal motion such as heartbeat and blood flow. It can detect diseased or damaged tissues, locate abnormal growths and identify a wide variety of changing conditions including fetal development, which enables our physicians to make a quick and accurate diagnosis. Typical applications include cardiology, gynecological, abdominal, etc. (definition provided by St. Joseph Regional Medical Center web site.) |
| X | |
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X-Rays |
X-rays are basically visible light rays—both are wave-like forms of electromagnetic energy carried by particles called photons. The difference between them is the energy level of the individual photons, which is also expressed as the wavelength of the rays. X-rays have been around for several decades and have a very well-established market base. Typical applications include mammography, dental, fluoroscopy, vascular, surgical, and mobile. (definition provided by HowStuffWorks.com) |
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