Topic Page: Embolus
(ĕm'bələs), foreign matter circulating in and obstructing a blood vessel. It may be a portion of a clot that has separated from the wall of a vessel (see thrombosis), a bubble of gas or air (known as an air embolus), a globule of fat, a clump of bacterial matter, or a clump of tumor cells. It circulates freely through the vessels until it reaches one so small that it cannot go further. An embolus in one of the vessels leading to the lungs, brain, or heart, if large enough, can be fatal; in an arm or leg it may lead to gangrene and, ultimately, the need for amputation. Emergency surgical removal is usually the treatment of choice for a solid embolus. Otherwise, drugs that dilate the vessels and anticoagulants are indicated.
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Full text Article embolus
Any material carried in the bloodstream to a point where it causes obstruction to the blood flow. Emboli are commonly blood clots but may...
Full text Article embolus
pronunciation A bit of matter that is foreign to the bloodstream, such as a large bubble of air or gas, a bit of tissue or tumor, or a...
Full text Article embolus
noun 1. a mass of material which blocks a blood vessel, e.g. a blood clot, air bubble or fat globule 2. material inserted into...