noun
dissection
Separation of the layers of a blood vessel wall caused by a tear.
The scan shows a dissection in the wall of her aorta.
Etymology
The Latin verb means to cut apart. The vascular term applies the separating image to layers of a vessel wall that split apart after blood enters through a tear.
More examples
- A tear in the artery's inner lining can cause a dissection.
- The surgeon repairs the damaged aorta after a dissection.
- Doctors monitor small dissections for signs of worsening damage.
Forms
dissection · dissections