Interventional medicine comes with its own specialized vocabulary, which can be confusing for patients hearing these terms for the first time. This glossary of interventional medicine terms breaks down more than 40 common words and phrases in plain language, giving patients and families a helpful reference before or after a physician consultation.
Diagnostic and Imaging Terms
Angiography — Imaging that visualizes blood vessels, often using contrast dye and X-ray (fluoroscopy).
Duplex ultrasound — Non-invasive ultrasound combined with Doppler to assess blood flow and vessel structure.
Fluoroscopy — Real-time, continuous X-ray imaging used to guide catheters during a procedure.
Ankle-brachial index (ABI) — A comparison of ankle versus arm blood pressure, used to help evaluate for PAD.
Venography — An imaging study that visualizes veins, typically using contrast dye.
Contrast dye — A substance injected into vessels to make them visible on X-ray or CT imaging.
CT angiography (CTA) — A CT scan combined with contrast dye to image blood vessels in detail.
Access and Delivery Terms
Catheter — A thin, flexible tube used to access and navigate within blood vessels.
Guidewire — A thin wire that guides catheters and devices to the treatment site.
Sheath — A short tube at the vessel access point that allows device exchange.
Percutaneous — Performed through the skin via needle puncture, not an open incision.
Tumescent anesthesia — Large volumes of dilute local anesthetic, used in some vein procedures.
Microcatheter — A very small-diameter catheter for navigating distal vessels, such as those in the brain.
Vascular Treatment Terms
Angioplasty — Widening a narrowed or blocked blood vessel using a balloon.
Stent — A small mesh scaffold placed inside a vessel to help keep it open.
Drug-eluting stent (DES) — A stent coated with medication designed to reduce re-narrowing.
Bare metal stent (BMS) — A stent without a drug coating, made of metal alloy.
Restenosis — Re-narrowing of a vessel after angioplasty or stenting.
Atherectomy — Mechanically removing or modifying plaque buildup within an artery.
Embolization — Intentionally blocking blood flow to a target area using coils, plugs, or liquid agents.
Thrombectomy — A procedure that removes a blood clot (thrombus) from a vessel.
Thrombolysis — Clot-dissolving medication used to break down a blood clot.
Pharmacomechanical thrombolysis — Mechanical clot disruption combined with localized thrombolytic medication.
Endovenous ablation — Laser or radiofrequency techniques that close a diseased vein using thermal energy.
Cyanoacrylate closure — A non-thermal vein treatment using medical adhesive to seal the vein.
Sclerotherapy — Injecting a solution or foam into a vein to cause it to close.
Devices and Structures
Vascular plug — A device designed to occlude (block) a blood vessel, often in embolization.
Coil — A small, flexible wire, often platinum-based, used to occlude vessels or aneurysm sacs.
Liquid embolic agent — A liquid that solidifies after injection to block flow within a vascular network.
IVC filter — A device in the inferior vena cava designed to capture clot fragments.
Stent graft — A stent combined with fabric covering, used to reinforce a vessel wall, often aortic.
Stent retriever — A device used in mechanical thrombectomy to capture and remove a clot.
Flow modulator — A device designed to influence blood flow without fully covering branch vessels.
Conditions Frequently Referenced
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) — Narrowing of leg arteries due to plaque buildup.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — A blood clot forming in a deep vein, most often in the leg.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) — A blockage in a lung artery, often from a traveling clot.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — Impaired venous return causing elevated leg vein pressure.
Aneurysm — An abnormal bulging or widening of a blood vessel wall.
Dissection — A tear in the inner layer of a vessel wall.
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) — An abnormal tangle connecting arteries directly to veins.
Large vessel occlusion (LVO) — A blockage in a major brain artery, often treated via thrombectomy.
Claudication — Cramping leg pain during activity, often linked to PAD.
Regulatory and General Terms
CE marking — Certification that a device meets EU requirements under EU MDR 2017/745.
ISO 13485 — An international quality standard specific to medical device manufacturing.
Instructions for Use (IFU) — The manufacturer document detailing a device's approved use and handling.
Biocompatibility — A material's ability to function in the body without an adverse biological response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do interventional procedures use so much specialized terminology?
Interventional medicine draws on radiology, engineering, and surgical vocabulary. Understanding key terms can help patients follow discussions with their care team more confidently.
Where can I find the meaning of a term not listed in this glossary?
Your physician or the procedure's Instructions for Use (IFU) documentation are the most reliable sources for terminology specific to your treatment.
Are these terms used consistently across all countries?
Terminology is generally consistent in English-language medical literature, though some regional variation exists. Device availability may also vary by country.
Related INVAMED Resources
- Comprehensive Catheter & Guidewire Systems
- Embolization
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Neurovascular Interventions
- Aortic Aneurysm & Dissection Repair
- Contact INVAMED for More Information
Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Product indications, availability, and regulatory status vary by country. Always refer to the official Instructions for Use (IFU) and consult a licensed physician for guidance specific to your situation. INVAMED devices are intended for use by trained healthcare professionals.