de-epicardialization

Obsolete surgical destruction of the epicardium, usually by the application of phenol, designed (unsuccessfully) to promote collateral circulation to the myocardium.

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de-epi·car·di·al·iza·tion (de-ep″ĭ-kahr″de-əl″ĭ-zaґshən) a surgical procedure formerly used for the relief of intractable angina pectoris, in which epicardial tissue is destroyed by phenolization or the application of other caustic agents to promote the development of collateral circulation.