Obliteration

Obliteration refers to the complete closure or occlusion of a lumen or space within a biological structure, often due to pathological processes such as inflammation, fibrosis, or neoplasia. This phenomenon is clinically significant as it can lead to impaired organ function, reduced blood flow, or obstruction of normal physiological pathways. A key example is the obliteration of blood vessels in chronic venous insufficiency, which can result in venous ulcers and significant morbidity.