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

See Examples For:

minimally invasive

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

Neurotoxin injections, including Botox, Galderma’s Dysport, Merz Aesthetics’ Xeomin, Evolus’ Jeuveau and Revance’s Daxxify, are still the most popular minimally invasive procedure in cosmetics, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

"This is a technique we use to monitor the development and function of the cells over time in a minimally invasive way," explains Per-Olof Berggren.

From Science Daily ● May 6, 2026

“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 ● Jan. 23, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Jan. 15, 2026