Cardiopuncture

/ˈkɑrdiəˌpʌŋktʃər/ noun

Definition

A medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the heart to obtain tissue samples, drain fluid, or inject medication.

Etymology

From Greek 'kardia' (heart) + Latin 'punctura' (pricking, piercing). This surgical term describes a direct interventional procedure.

Kelly Says

Cardiopuncture is an incredibly risky procedure because one wrong millimeter can puncture the wrong chamber or coronary artery, so it's only done when doctors absolutely must get samples or drain dangerous fluid.

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