Percutaneous (pərkjʊˈteɪniəs) is a medical term that refers to a procedure or treatment that is performed through the skin. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically into four parts: per- (pər), meaning through; cutaneous (kjuːˈteɪniəs) meaning related to the skin; and the suffix -eous (-iəs) meaning characterized by. Knowing the IPA phonetic transcription helps understand the pronunciation and spelling of the word, making it easier for medical professionals and others to communicate effectively.
Percutaneous is an adjective that describes a medical procedure or intervention which is performed through the skin, without the need for an incision or surgical opening. It is typically used to describe minimally invasive procedures that involve accessing the body's internal structures or organs through small puncture wounds or needle insertions.
The term "percutaneous" is derived from Latin roots "per-" meaning through and "cutis" meaning skin. In medical terminology, percutaneous procedures are regarded as less invasive and have several advantages over traditional open surgeries. These procedures are often preferred by both patients and healthcare providers as they reduce the risk of infection, minimize tissue damage, and result in a quicker recovery time.
Percutaneous techniques are commonly employed in various medical specialties, such as cardiology, radiology, and orthopedics. Examples of percutaneous procedures include percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), in which a balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into a blocked coronary artery to widen it and improve blood flow to the heart, and percutaneous biopsy, where a small tissue sample is obtained using a needle for diagnostic purposes.
Overall, percutaneous refers to a medical approach that bypasses the need for surgical incisions, utilizing small punctures or needle insertions through the skin to access internal structures, and is known for being minimally invasive with associated benefits of reduced risk and faster recovery.
Through the skin, noting a method of medicating by inunction and friction.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "percutaneous" is derived from two Latin roots: "per" meaning "through" and "cutaneus" meaning "of the skin".
The term was formed by combining these two roots to specifically describe a medical procedure or technique performed through the skin, without the need for a surgical incision.