===== Tortuous =====

**Definition:**  
In medical terminology, "tortuous" describes an anatomical structure—typically a vessel, duct, or pathway—that is **excessively twisted, winding, or meandering**.

**Clinical relevance:**  
Tortuous anatomy can **impede catheter navigation**, increase procedural complexity, and may be associated with underlying vascular pathology (e.g., atherosclerosis, elongation, or stenosis).

**Examples:**  
  * Tortuous internal carotid artery  
  * Tortuous sigmoid sinus  
  * Tortuous ureter

**Related terms:**  
  * [[stenosis]]  
  * [[trackability]]  


see [[Tortuous vessel]].