Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
collateral circulation
Alternative blood flow pathways that develop to bypass blocked or diseased arteries.
Full Definition
Collateral circulation refers to the secondary vascular network that naturally develops or becomes prominent when primary blood vessels are compromised. In vascular surgery documentation, editors must distinguish between native collaterals (naturally occurring alternative pathways) and surgically created bypasses. This term frequently appears in preoperative assessments and postoperative reports, particularly in cases of chronic arterial occlusion. The presence and adequacy of collateral circulation significantly influences surgical planning and patient outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Avoid confusing with surgically created bypass grafts.
In Context
- "The patient demonstrated excellent collateral circulation around the occluded superficial femoral artery." — preoperative assessment report
- "Angiography revealed poor collateral circulation distal to the stenotic lesion." — diagnostic imaging report
Also known as
collateral flow
alternative circulation
Contrasted with
direct circulation
primary flow
Don't confuse with
bypass circulation
retrograde flow