Arteriophlebotomy, pronounced /ˌɑː.təri.oʊ.fləˈbɒt.ə.mi/, is a medical term that refers to the puncture of an artery and a vein at the same time. This procedure is commonly used to obtain blood samples for diagnostic testing. The word is composed of three roots: arterio- (pertaining to arteries), phlebo- (pertaining to veins), and -tomy (cutting into). With its complex spelling and pronunciation, arteriophlebotomy highlights the importance of understanding medical terminology and the need for clear and concise communication within the healthcare industry.
Arteriophlebotomy is a medical procedure involving the puncture and removal of blood from an artery. The term is derived from combining "arterio," referring to an artery, and "phlebotomy," which means the surgical opening or puncture of a vein to remove blood.
Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to various parts of the body. Typically, blood samples are collected from veins for diagnostic purposes, but in certain cases, where arterial blood analysis is required, arteriophlebotomy may be performed. This procedure involves the insertion of a needle or catheter into an artery, usually in the wrist (radial artery) or groin (femoral artery), to extract a small sample of arterial blood.
Arteriophlebotomy is often ordered by healthcare professionals for the purpose of analyzing arterial blood gases, electrolyte levels, or acid-base balance. This type of blood sample provides more accurate and immediate information about a patient's oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status compared to venous blood. Additionally, arteriophlebotomy may be utilized to monitor patients during critical care, cardiac surgeries, or when evaluating patients with severe respiratory or metabolic disturbances.
However, arteriophlebotomy is considered a more invasive procedure than traditional venipuncture because arteries have thicker walls and are under higher pressure. Therefore, it requires specialized training and skill to perform safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of complications such as bleeding, hematoma formation, infection, or damage to surrounding structures.
Bloodletting from the minute arterioles and veinlets by scarification of the skin or mucous membrane.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "arteriophlebotomy" is a compound word formed from the combination of three Greek roots: "arterio-" (meaning artery), "phlebo-" (meaning vein), and "-tomy" (meaning incision or cutting).
1. "Arterio-" originates from the Greek word "arteria" which refers to an artery. It came from the Greek word "aer" meaning "air" or "wind", as ancient Greeks believed that arteries were filled with air instead of blood.
2. "Phlebo-" comes from the Greek word "phleps" meaning "vein". It is derived from the Greek verb "phlein" which means "to flow".
3. "-tomy" is a suffix derived from the Greek word "tomia" meaning "cutting" or "incision".