Heart surgery made simple – lexis

plug verb – block or fill in a hole

locate verb – discover the exact place or position of

pioneer verb – innovate, develop for the first time
cardiac adj – concerning the heart

device – a thing (especially mechanical or electronic) made or adapted for a specific purpose

otherwise – in different circumstances
acute – critical, serious, severe
rupture – sudden break

open-heart surgery – surgery during which the heart is exposed, and its blood made to bypass it
patch – piece of material used to cover a weak or torn area
stitch (verb) – sew (also used in medical treatment)
mortality rate – number of deaths in a period of time or area, or from a particular cause
seal (verb) – fasten or close securely
coronary bypass – surgical operation to make an alternative passage to aid the circulation of the blood to relieve pressure on the heart during an operation on it
an incision – a cut
grotty (informal) – unwell; unclean; of poor / inferior quality
to feel shivery – to shake slightly as a result of feeling cold, ill, frightened, or excited
to be given the go-ahead – to be permitted to proceed