Dictionary > Thrombectomy

Thrombectomy

Definition
noun, plural: thrombectomies
Surgical removal of a thrombus
Supplement
Thrombectomy is done to remove the thrombus clogging the blood vessel. An example is pulmonary thrombectomy wherein the blood clot in pulmonary artery is removed by surgery. This procedure is prompted when there is severe vascular insufficiency (i.e. blood flow insufficiency) and usually under emergency situations, particularly when the clot potentiates heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. But because of the risk of necrosis involved it is often considered as the last resort. Other treatment options include the use of anticoagulants and thrombolysis.
Word origin: Greek thrombos (lump) + -ek (out) + -tomy (cutting)
Compare:

  • embolectomy

See also:

  • thrombosis
  • thrombolysis

    Last updated on January 19th, 2021

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