Arteriotomy

/ˌɑːrtɪriˈɒtəmi/ noun

Definition

A surgical procedure in which an artery is cut or opened, usually to access the blood vessel for medical treatment or examination.

Etymology

From Greek 'arteria' (artery) and '-tomy' (cutting), a common surgical suffix. The term combines the anatomical term for blood vessels that carry blood from the heart with the Greek root for the act of cutting.

Kelly Says

Arteriotomies are like controlled invasions into your circulatory system—surgeons cut into arteries to fix aneurysms, remove clots, or place stents, all without damaging the crucial blood flow that keeps you alive.

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