An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a type of therapeutic device. It helps your heart pump more blood. You may need it if your heart is unable to pump enough blood for your body.

Hospital discharge is when you are allowed to leave a hospital after treatment. It involves working with a discharge planner who will help you understand the next steps and how to care for yourself at home.

Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is a cleaning product that kills germs. Daily baths with CHG reduce the spread of infections in hospitals. CHG baths are especially helpful in intensive care units (ICUs).

A minimally invasive aortic valve replacement is a surgery to replace a badly working aortic valve with an artificial valve. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this procedure.

The ankle-brachial index (ABI) test compares the blood pressure in the upper and lower limbs. This test can help diagnose peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Alcohol septal ablation is a minimally invasive procedure for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which your heart muscle is abnormally thick. The purpose of the procedure is to decrease your symptoms and to reduce future complications.

A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube is a feeding tube surgically placed through your belly (abdomen) into your stomach.

An open mitral valve replacement is a surgery to replace a poorly working mitral valve with an artificial valve. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this surgery.

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside an ovary. Sometimes the cyst can break open (rupture).

Many people have surgically implanted cardiac devices. These devices include pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators or ICDs. Pacemakers can help treat slow heart rhythms, and ICDs stop dangerous rapid heart rhythms.