Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
vessel tortuosity
Pronunciation: tor-chu-OSS-ih-tee
Abnormal twisting or winding of coronary arteries that complicates catheter navigation and device delivery.
Full Definition
Vessel tortuosity refers to excessive angulation, twisting, or serpentine course of coronary arteries that can significantly complicate interventional procedures. Tortuous anatomy may result from aging, hypertension, or genetic factors. Severe tortuosity can impede guidewire advancement, catheter delivery, and device tracking, potentially requiring specialized techniques such as buddy wires, anchor balloons, or alternative access routes. Tortuosity assessment is crucial for procedural planning and device selection.
Usage
Usage note: Tortuosity is the noun; tortuous is the adjective describing the vessel.
In Context
- "Severe vessel tortuosity required a support catheter for adequate guide backup." — Complex intervention procedure
- "The degree of vessel tortuosity was assessed before selecting the appropriate stent delivery system." — Pre-procedural planning note
Also known as
arterial tortuosity
vessel angulation
Contrasted with
straight vessel
normal anatomy
Don't confuse with
vessel calcification
vessel stenosis