What is "revascularization"

n. (context surgery English) The restoration of a blood supply to an organ or limb

In medicine, revascularization is the restoration of perfusion to a body part or organ that has suffered ischemia. It is typically accomplished by surgical means. Vascular bypass and angioplasty are the two primary means of revascularization.

The term derives from the prefix re-, in this case meaning "restoration" and vasculature, which refers to the circulatory structures of an organ.

Revascularization involves a thorough analysis and diagnosis and treatment of the existing diseased vasculature of the affected organ, and can be aided by the use of different imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging, PET scan, CT scan, and X ray fluoroscopy.

This is a concept important in the subdisciplines of biomedicine which are concerned with the rehabilitation of important organs, such as the heart, liver, and lungs.

Treatment for gangrene often requires revascularization, if possible. The surgery is also indicated to treat ischemic wounds (inadequate tissue perfusion) in some forms of chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers.