embolism

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embolism (em-bŏl-izm) n. the condition in which an embolus becomes lodged in an artery and obstructs its blood flow. Treatment is by anticoagulant therapy; major embolism is treated by embolectomy or thrombolysis. pulmonary e. obstruction of the pulmonary artery by an embolus, usually a blood clot derived from phlebothrombosis of the leg veins. Large emboli result in acute heart failure. systemic e. embolism affecting any artery except the pulmonary artery. The embolus is often a blood clot formed in the heart in mitral valve disease or following myocardial infarction. See also air embolism.

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