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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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of minimally invasive

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Given the complexity of minimally invasive cardiac surgery, we are planning a measured rollout to support training, education, and adoption,” CEO David J. Rosa said on a conference call.

From Barron's

“We believe deeply that patients requiring cardiac surgery can benefit from a minimally invasive approach with da Vinci.”

From Barron's

This includes bariatric surgery, which has been around since the 1950s, or newer minimally invasive procedures like the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty.

From MarketWatch

Boston Scientific is spending $14.5 billion in cash and stock to buy Penumbra, another medical-device maker that makes products used in minimally invasive procedures to treat conditions such as pulmonary embolism and stroke.

From MarketWatch

Penumbra’s portfolio focuses largely on devices used in mechanical thrombectomies, a minimally invasive procedure to remove blood clots, and for neurovascular conditions.

From MarketWatch