arteriotomy arteriotomy arteriotomy (or arterotomy) is a medical term for an opening or cut of an artery wall. it is a common step in many vascular surgical procedures and operations. the corresponding term for an incision into a vein is a venotomy. arteriotomyicd-9-cm38.98 either a transverse or a longitudinal incision can be made (with respect to the direction of the artery), depending on the situation. the incision is typically made with a scalpel and extended with surgical scissors.