Transluminal atherectomies is an advanced medical procedure used to remove plaque buildup in the artery walls. The word "atherectomy" is derived from two Greek words, "athero" meaning "porridge" and "ektome" meaning "excision." The pronunciation of the word is [trænz-lum-uh-nl æ-thuh-rek-tuh-meez], which consists of multiple syllables with various sounds. The emphasis is on the third syllable, with the "l" in "luminal" being silent. The spelling of this complex medical term requires an understanding of Greek root words and their phonetics.
Transluminal atherectomies refers to a type of medical procedure performed to treat atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing and hardening of arteries due to the buildup of plaque. Specifically, the term "transluminal" indicates that the procedure is performed inside the blood vessel lumen, without making a surgical incision. "Atherectomies" refer to the removal or extraction of atheromatous plaque from the artery.
During a transluminal atherectomy, a specialized catheter is inserted into the affected blood vessel through a small puncture in the skin. The catheter is then guided to the location of the plaque using fluoroscopy or other imaging techniques. Once in place, the atherectomy device attached to the tip of the catheter is activated to mechanically or laser ablate, shave, or vaporize the plaque, effectively reducing the blockage and restoring blood flow.
Transluminal atherectomies offer a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical interventions and can be performed in various arteries, including the coronary, peripheral, or carotid arteries. These procedures are commonly used when atherosclerosis causes symptoms such as chest pain (angina), leg pain during walking (claudication), or stroke risk due to carotid artery narrowing.
Ultimately, transluminal atherectomies aim to improve blood circulation, alleviate symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications associated with atherosclerosis, such as heart attacks, strokes, or limb amputation.
The term "Transluminal Atherectomies" can be broken down and understood by its individual parts:
1. Transluminal: "Trans" is a Latin prefix meaning "across" or "through", and "luminal" refers to the lumen or the interior space of a blood vessel. Therefore, "transluminal" refers to something that happens or is done across or through the lumen of a blood vessel.
2. Atherectomy: "Athero-" is derived from the Greek word "athera" meaning "gruel" or "porridge", and "-ectomy" comes from the Greek "ektomē" meaning "excision" or "removal".