Devascularisaatio

Devascularisaatio is a medical term describing the deliberate reduction or elimination of blood flow to a tissue, organ, tumor, or lesion. It can be achieved by surgical techniques such as ligation or coagulation of feeding vessels, or by interventional radiology methods that occlude arteries or veins supplying the target area. Embolic agents used include particles, coils, glue, plugs, and temporary vascular occluders. The primary goal is to decrease bleeding risk, reduce tumor vascularity, or facilitate subsequent procedures by creating a less perfused surgical field. In the context of cancer, devascularization is commonly used before resection or during palliation to shrink tumors and lessen intraoperative blood loss. In gynecology and obstetrics, it may be employed to control severe uterine bleeding or to reduce vascular supply to fibroids. In interventional radiology, transarterial embolization (TAE) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are examples of devascularization techniques used for liver, kidney, and other tumors.

Risks and limitations include ischemia or necrosis of non-target tissues due to unintended embolization, post-embolization syndrome (pain, fever), infection, and recanalization or development of collateral circulation that can restore blood flow. Outcomes depend on the target tissue and method; some procedures provide durable devascularization, while others require repeat sessions. The choice of technique is guided by anatomy, goals of therapy, and the balance between benefits and potential harms.