Ablated

In the context of science and medicine, 'ablated' refers to the removal or destruction of a body part or tissue, usually through a process that involves cutting, burning, vaporization, or chemical dissolution. This targeted elimination is often employed to treat medical conditions like irregular heartbeats, tumors, or scar tissue. The process aims to remove dysfunctional or unwanted biological material. The degree of ablatio is a key parameter and it can be classified according to the effect and extent of the damage. Alternatively, 'ablated' can describe the wearing away or removal of surface material due to processes such as erosion, or melting (e.g. ice caps ablated due to climate change), and other effects which could be natural or artificially created. The speed of ablating, and the extent, are frequently measured and recorded.

Ablated meaning with examples

• The cardiologist performed a cardiac ablation to correct the patient's atrial fibrillation. Radiofrequency energy was carefully applied to ablate the specific heart tissue causing the irregular rhythm. Post-procedure, the patient's heart rhythm stabilized, demonstrating the effective removal of the problematic tissue. The targeted ablation significantly improved the patient's quality of life and future health prospects.
• Glaciers in the Arctic have been drastically ablated in recent decades due to rising global temperatures. Satellite imagery showed significant loss of ice mass, indicating rapid melting and thinning. This alarming trend contributes to rising sea levels and poses threats to coastal communities. Scientists are working on how to preserve or at least slow down ice ablation.
• The neurosurgeon planned to ablate the brain tumor using focused ultrasound, which minimized the risk of damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Careful imaging allowed a precise targeting of the abnormal cells. The procedure was successful in removing the malignancy and helped to preserve the patient's neurological functions, leading to positive recovery.
• During the atmospheric reentry, the spacecraft's heat shield was designed to ablate slowly, protecting the internal structure from intense heat. This gradual erosion was a planned process using heat resistant material. The degree of ablation was meticulously monitored to ensure the spacecraft remained structurally sound through its descent, protecting the people inside.