Definition

A medical procedure that involves blocking a blood vessel to stop bleeding or to cut off blood supply to a tumor or abnormal growth.

Example

The doctor recommended embolisation to treat the patient's vascular condition.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new treatment called embolisation?

Yeah, I read a bit about it — it sounds interesting.

I think it's used to treat tumors or block blood flow.

Exactly! It seems like a great option for some patients.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Embolisation is formed from "em-" (meaning in or into) and "bolus" (from Greek "ballein", meaning to throw). The term describes the process of throwing or placing something into a vessel, particularly in a medical context where it refers to the intentional obstruction of a blood vessel.

Memory Tip

Think of 'throwing something into' ('em-') a vessel ('bolus') to remember that embolisation means placing something into a blood vessel to block it.

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