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

The state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania described this as a "minimally invasive" approach - but wildlife experts said any interventions carried considerable risk after previous rescue attempts failed.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

The former is a minimally invasive approach that allows for faster recovery.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

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 • Jan. 15, 2026

"BISC turns the cortical surface into an effective portal, delivering high-bandwidth, minimally invasive read-write communication with AI and external devices," Tolias says.

From Science Daily • Dec. 9, 2025

After his two previous episodes of atrial flutter, Harbaugh underwent ablations, which are minimally invasive procedures that treat irregular heartbeats by destroying heart tissue that causes abnormal electrical signals.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2024