minimally invasive

American  

Or minimal invasive

adjective

1. (of medical treatments or procedures) requiring only a small incision or the insertion of an instrument into a body cavity; involving minimal damage of body tissue.

   minimally invasive endoscopy.

---

minimally invasive British  

adjective

1. (of surgery) involving as little incision into the body as possible, through the use of techniques such as keyhole surgery and laser treatment

---

Etymology

Origin of minimally invasive

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

minimally invasive

The 29-year-old's ablation procedure - a minimally invasive operation to correct irregular heart rhythms - took place at Spire Manchester Hospital on Tuesday morning.

From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2026

But there is a wide berth of procedures between emergency and truly elective, leaving people in need of things like ACL tear repairs or minimally invasive heart procedures, where delaying could pose health risks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026

Cosmetic procedures—including surgeries and minimally invasive treatments, like fillers and injections—are indeed increasing in popularity.

From Slate ● Sep. 2, 2026

After a single minimally invasive injection, the material changes from a liquid into a smooth, lubricating semisolid depot at body temperature.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 31, 2026

After pushing 200 innings the last two seasons, he underwent a newfangled minimally invasive procedure on May 6 to remove a loose body from his elbow.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2026