Ocklusioner

Ocklusioner is a term used to describe devices or agents that achieve occlusion, the deliberate closure or blockage of an opening or lumen. The word is used across several disciplines, notably dentistry, interventional cardiovascular medicine, and related biomedical fields.

Etymology: The term derives from occlusion, with the agent suffix -er. Spelling and usage vary by language, and in English the plural is commonly ocklusioners, though some contexts treat the singular and plural similarly.

In dentistry, ocklusioners refer to devices or appliances that influence occlusal relationships between teeth. Examples include occlusal splints, bite blocks, and other apparatus used to modify bite, protect dentition, or manage temporomandibular disorders.

In interventional medicine, occluders are catheter-delivered devices designed to close abnormal communications or defects. They may be plug-type or umbrella-type and are used to seal defects and promote tissue in-growth. Common targets include atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, and patent ductus arteriosus. Notable examples come from the Amplatzer family of occluders and similar devices.

In vascular and endovascular contexts, ocklusioners can function as barriers to block blood flow during procedures, such as occluding feeders to aneurysms or other vascular malformations. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with vascular plugs or embolic devices, depending on the specific application and design.

Overall, ocklusioner describes a broad class of devices and methods aimed at creating a controlled blockage to restore, preserve, or study function in biological systems or engineered channels. Related topics include occlusion, occluders, and vascular plugs.