Definition of Coarctation
Coarctation: A narrowing, a stricture, a constriction. Although the best known coarctation is of the aorta, any artery can have a coarctation. The word "coarctation" comes from the Latin "coartare" meaning :to press together." The sides of the vessel at the point of a coarctation appear pressed together.
Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionaryhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=6543
Last Editorial Review: 6/15/1998
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