The word "arteriotome" [ahr-teer-ee-uh-tohm] refers to a surgical instrument used to cut blood vessels. Its spelling follows the typical English pattern of using "io" to represent the /iəʊ/ sound in Greek loanwords. The "t" represents the "t" sound, while the "m" at the end of the word indicates that it is a noun. The phonetic transcription shows that the stress is on the second syllable, and the final "e" is silent. Correct spelling is crucial in medical terminology to maintain clarity and prevent errors.
An arteriotome is a medical instrument specifically designed for incising or cutting through an artery during surgical or interventional procedures. Derived from the Latin words "arteria" meaning artery and "tome" meaning a cutting instrument, an arteriotome is primarily utilized by surgeons, vascular specialists, and interventional radiologists to gain access to or repair an artery.
The arteriotome typically consists of a slender, sharp blade attached to a handle, allowing precise and controlled incisions. This instrument is specifically tailored to ensure minimal damage or trauma to the surrounding tissues during arterial incision. The blade of the arteriotome is often constructed from high-quality stainless steel, which provides strength, durability, and rust resistance.
Arteriotomes are primarily used in procedures such as arterial bypass surgery, angioplasty, and endovascular interventions. During these procedures, the arteriotome enables healthcare professionals to make a precise incision in the artery, facilitating access to the target area in need of treatment or repair. After the procedure is completed, the incision made by the arteriotome is carefully sutured to ensure proper closure, preventing excessive bleeding and promoting healing.
The design and usage of the arteriotome require expert knowledge and skills, as it is crucial to ensure accurate incisions, avoid damage to the arterial walls, and minimize the risk of complications. Therefore, its usage is limited to trained medical professionals in a clinical setting.
A lancet for performing arteriotomy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "arteriotome" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "arteria" and "tome".
1. "Arteria" (ἀρτηρία) in Greek refers to an artery, which is a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the various parts of the body.
2. "Tome" (τομή) in Greek means a cutting or incision. It is derived from the verb "temnein", which means to cut.
Therefore, "arteriotome" combines "arteria" and "tome" to signify a surgical instrument or device specifically designed for cutting into an artery.