endovascular
Pronunciation: en-doh-VAS-kyuh-lar
Minimally invasive procedures performed inside blood vessels using catheters and specialized devices.
Full Definition
Endovascular refers to medical procedures performed from within blood vessels using catheter-based techniques rather than traditional open surgery. These minimally invasive approaches involve inserting devices through small incisions, typically in the groin, and navigating them through the vascular system to treat conditions such as aneurysms, stenosis, or thrombosis. Endovascular procedures include angioplasty, stenting, embolization, and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). This approach generally results in shorter recovery times, reduced complications, and improved patient outcomes compared to conventional open surgical methods.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier before nouns (e.g., 'endo-vascular repair').
In Context
- "The multidisciplinary team recommended an endovascular approach for treating the patient's abdominal aortic aneurysm." — treatment planning document
- "Endovascular therapy has become the preferred treatment modality for acute stroke intervention." — clinical guidelines