Artificial insemination Health Dictionary

Use of the SEMEN of an anonymous donor to produce fertilisation in cases of INFERTILITY where the male partner has OLIGOSPERMIA or IMPOTENCE. The donor is chosen for ethnic and physiognomic similarity to the male partner and is screened for transmissible diseases

(e.g. HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, gonorrhoea, and genetic disorders). Insemination is performed at the time of ovulation by introducing the semen into the upper vagina. Semen may be fresh or have been stored frozen in liquid nitrogen. (See ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION.)... donor insemination

The ejaculation of SEMEN in the VAGINA in the act of sexual intercourse. In ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION the semen is placed there by the use of an instrument. (See also ASSISTED CONCEPTION.)... insemination

A method of helping CONCEPTION to occur when a man is infertile (see INFERTILITY) because his sperm (see SPERMATOZOON) cannot penetrate either the cervical mucus at the entrance of the UTERUS or the barriers that surround the OVUM. The sperm, often treated chemically beforehand to increase motility, are injected directly into the uterus via the VAGINA.... intrauterine insemination

Forced introduction of air into the lungs of someone who has stopped breathing (see respiratory arrest) or whose breathing is inadequate. As an emergency first-aid measure, artificial respiration can be given mouth-to-mouth or mouth-tonose, which can prevent brain damage due to oxygen deprivation; a delay in breathing for more than 6 minutes can cause death. Cardiac compressions may also be necessary if poor respiration has led to cessation of the heartbeat (see cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Artificial respiration can be continued by use of a ventilator (see ventilation).... artificial respiration

The design and study of computer systems that have properties resembling human intelligence, such as natural language, problem-solving, and analysis of novel situations.... artificial intelligence (ai)

See ARTHROPLASTY.... artificial joints

See DIALYSIS.... artificial kidney

See PROSTHESIS.... artificial limbs and other parts

See APPENDIX 1: BASIC FIRST AID.... artificial respiration

When we breathe in, the outward movement of the chest increases the volume of the lungs and the pressure in them falls below that of the outside world. Therefore, air is drawn in automatically. When we breathe out, some air exits because of the normal elastic recoil of the lungs, but we also force air out by using the muscles of the chest and the DIAPHRAGM. Replicating this arti?cially involves using a device to produce intermittent positive or negative pressure ventilation as described below.... artificial ventilation of the lungs

A mechanical device in the chest that enhances or takes over the pumping action of the HEART, thus maintaining the necessary level of circulation of blood through the lungs and other body structures. An arti?cial heart was ?rst used in humans in 1985 and the three types in use are: an intra-aortic balloon pump, driven by compressed air, which in?ates a balloon in the AORTA with every heartbeat, increasing the volume of circulating blood; an electrical device that assists the left VENTRICLE by pumping blood into the abdominal aorta; and a mechanical arti?cial heart that replaces a diseased heart that has been removed. As yet there is no arti?cial heart suitable for long-term use. Existing devices are intended to tide over a patient who is extremely ill until a live heart can be transplanted from a donor. The results from arti?cial hearts have been disappointing because of complications and also because the patients have usually been already dangerously ill.... heart, artificial

See DIALYSIS.... kidney, artificial

See PROSTHESIS.... limbs, artificial

The procedure, usually carried out in an operating theatre or intensive-care unit, in which a device called a VENTILATOR takes over a person’s breathing. This is done for someone who is unable to breathe normally. Damage to the respiratory centre of the brain as a result of head injury, disease of the brain, or an overdose of sedative or narcotic drugs may affect the respiratory centre. Chest injuries, disease of the lungs, nerve or muscle disorders or surgery of the chest or abdomen can also affect breathing and require the use of a ventilator to maintain normal breathing. Arti?cial ventilation can also be carried out as an emergency by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. (See also ANAESTHESIA; ARTIFICIAL VENTILATION OF THE LUNGS.)... ventilation, artificial

The common name for the machine used in dialysis.... artificial kidney

See amniotomy.... artificial rupture of membrane

Synthetic substitutes for sugar that are used by people on slimming diets and by the food industry.

Saccharin and aspartame are often recommended in calorie-controlled diets but are of questionable value because the appetite compensates for the lack of calories from sugar, and other foods are eaten to maintain the calorie intake.

Sorbitol is an artificial sweetener that is useful for diabetics, but it can cause diarrhoea and bloating when consumed in large quantities.... artificial sweeteners

A prosthesis to replace an eye that has been removed.

It is worn for cosmetic reasons.

Some movement of the artificial eye may be achieved by attaching the muscles that normally move the eye to the remaining conjunctival membrane (see conjunctiva) or to a plastic implant in the eye socket.... eye, artificial

The administration of nutrients other than by mouth, usually by way of a tube passed through the nose into the stomach or small intestine. If long-term artificial feeding is anticipated, a tube is inserted directly into the stomach or upper small intestine using endoscopic surgery. If the gastrointestinal tract is not functioning, nutrients must be introduced into the bloodstream. This type of feeding is known as parenteral nutrition.

Tube feeding may be necessary for people who have gastrointestinal disorders (for example, conditions resulting in malabsorption) or disorders affecting the nervous system or kidneys. Premature babies often require tube feeding if their sucking reflexes are undeveloped, as do critically ill patients due to their increased nutritional requirements. Intravenous feeding is usually given when large areas of the small intestine have been damaged by disease or have been surgically removed.... feeding, artificial

An implantable mechanical device that takes over the action of the heart or assists the heart in maintaining the circulation. There are 3 main types of artificial heart.

An intra-aortic balloon pump, comprising a balloon in the aorta that inflates with each heartbeat, increases the volume of blood entering the circulation. A left ventricular assist device takes blood from the left ventricle and pumps it electrically into the abdominal aorta. There are also mechanical hearts, which are powered from outside the body, usually by compressed air.

Problems with artificial hearts include the formation of blood clots within the device, and infection.

They are therefore used as a temporary measure until a heart transplant can be performed.... heart, artificial

A surgically created valve or other device used to treat or prevent urinary or faecal incontinence.... sphincter, artificial

See artificial sweeteners.... sweeteners, artificial

Preparations to supplement tear production in disorders that cause dry eye, such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and to relieve irritation.... tears, artificial

see ventricular assist device.... artificial heart

the use of enteral feeding tubes or cannulas to administer nutrients and fluids directly into the gastrointestinal tract or bloodstream when the oral route cannot be used owing to disability or disease. When other intensive treatments are judged *futile, artificial nutrition and hydration are considered *extraordinary means of prolonging life in patients who have no prospect of recovery. It is permissible to withdraw such treatment when it is no longer in the patient’s interests and when the primary intention is not to kill the patient, although death is foreseen (see doctrine of double effect). In cases of patients in a *persistent vegetative state in England and Wales, the matter must be referred to the courts following the case of Tony Bland. Where food and water are withdrawn it is still considered important to moisten the patient’s lips and to keep him or her comfortable until death.... artificial nutrition and hydration

(ARM) see amniotomy.... artificial rupture of membranes

an apparatus designed to replace or support a *sphincter that is either absent or ineffective. See also neosphincter.... artificial sphincter

(Suzi) a method of assisting conception in cases of infertility caused by the inability of the spermatozoa to penetrate the barriers surrounding the ovum. Using *in vitro fertilization techniques, a small number of spermatozoa (no more than six) are injected through the *zona pellucida into the perivitelline space (which surrounds the egg membrane). If fertilization subsequently occurs, the blastocyst is implanted in the mother’s uterus.... subzonal insemination