1. Plural of atelectasis; the collapse or incomplete expansion of the lungs or a portion of the lungs, often occurring after surgery or due to airway obstruction.
Usage: Medical/clinical term; Commonly used in pulmonology and anesthesiology

Examples

• The patient developed atelectases in both lower lobes following the surgical procedure.
• Postoperative atelectases are a common complication that requires careful monitoring.
• The chest X-ray revealed multiple areas of atelectases consistent with airway obstruction.
• Incentive spirometry is often used to prevent atelectases in recovering patients.
• The anesthesiologist noted signs of atelectases during the recovery period.