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.

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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

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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

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 • Jan. 15, 2026

Success could lead to a minimally invasive treatment that lasts longer and reduces the need for repeat procedures.

From Science Daily • Jan. 2, 2026

Instead of removing it, surgeons performed a cryoablation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2025