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In the Industry Vocabulary Test
runoff
The distal arterial vessels that receive blood flow beyond a point of intervention or disease.
Full Definition
In vascular medicine, runoff refers to the quality and quantity of distal arterial vessels that provide outflow from a more proximal arterial segment. Good runoff indicates patent vessels below the knee or elbow that can receive blood flow, while poor runoff suggests diseased or absent distal vessels. This concept is critical in planning interventions, as adequate runoff is necessary for successful revascularization. The term appears in angiographic reports, surgical planning documents, and outcome assessments.
Usage
Usage note: Typically modified by qualifiers like 'good,' 'poor,' or 'single-vessel' to describe vessel quality.
In Context
- "Angiography revealed excellent three-vessel runoff to the foot." — Imaging report
- "Poor tibial runoff limited options for distal bypass." — Surgical consultation
Also known as
distal outflow
outflow vessels
Contrasted with
inflow
Don't confuse with
outflow
distal vessels