Intravascular

Intravascular refers to something that occurs within the blood vessels. This term is often used in the context of medical procedures or treatments that involve accessing the bloodstream, such as intravenous (IV) therapy or catheterization. Intravascular procedures are commonly used for delivering medications, fluids, or contrast agents directly into the bloodstream for rapid distribution throughout the body.

Definition:

Intravascular refers to within the blood vessels or circulatory system.

Examples:

- Intravascular volume: The total volume of blood within the blood vessels.
- Intravascular injection: An injection of a drug or other substance directly into a vein or artery.
- Intravascular devices: Medical devices, such as catheters and stents, that are inserted into blood vessels.
- Intravascular ultrasound: A medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of blood vessels.
- Intravascular hemolysis: The destruction of red blood cells within the blood vessels.

Related Terms:

- Extravascular: Outside the blood vessels
- Vascular: Pertaining to blood vessels
- Circulatory system: The network of blood vessels and organs that transport blood throughout the body
- Blood: The fluid that circulates through the circulatory system, carrying oxygen, nutrients, and waste products