embolization
Pronunciation: em-bol-ih-ZAY-shun
A procedure to deliberately block blood vessels using coils, particles, or other devices to treat vascular conditions.
Full Definition
Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure where embolic agents such as coils, particles, plugs, or glue are delivered through catheters to intentionally occlude blood vessels. This technique is used therapeutically to treat conditions like aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, bleeding vessels, or to reduce blood supply to tumors. The term appears frequently in interventional radiology reports and vascular surgery documentation, requiring precise usage to distinguish from pathological embolism.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'embolism' (pathological blockage) - embolization is intentional therapy.
In Context
- "Coil embolization of the aneurysm was performed successfully." — Procedure report
- "Particle embolization reduced tumor vascularity prior to resection." — Interventional radiology report