Medical dictionary

What is vascular trauma? A vascular trauma is an injury to an artery or vein due to a trauma or blow. These injuries can affect the arterial, lymphatic, or venous system, and are most often located on a limb, especially lower ones (80-90% of cases). The most frequent clinical signs are either haemorrhage or acute ischaemia. Early detection and treatment is crucial to prevent limb ampu

  What is vasculitis? Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the blood vessels, whether because of an infection, medication, or another disease. This can limit blood flow and cause damage to organs and tissues. It can affect veins, arteries, and capillaries. When a blood vessel becomes inflamed it can: make it

What is a vasectomy?A vasectomy (also known as male sterilisation) is an operation to cut or seal the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm out of the testicles), as a form of permanent birth control. The sperm are unable to leave the testicles and therefore do not form part of the man’s ejaculate after the procedure, meaning that he cannot impregnate a female sexual partner.Vasectomies are usu

What is VASER liposuction?VASER liposuction (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance liposuction) is an invasive procedure, which is used to change the contours and shape of the body through the removal of persistent fat deposits. The specialised ultrasound technology breaks down fat cells by sending out ultrasonic frequency waves. After the cells have been broken down the plastic sur

What is a vasovasostomy? A vasovasostomy is a microsurgical procedure to reverse a vasectomy. A vasectomy is a permanent method of contraception. It is a surgical procedure to prevent sperm from travelling from the man’s testicles to his penis, making it impossible for sperm to enter a woman during intercourse, thereby preventing any potential pregnancy from occurring. This is achieved

What are veneers? Veneers and crowns are aesthetic solutions for covering damaged teeth. There are two types of veneer: composite veneers or porcelain veneers. They are made of metal, ceramic or porcelain fused on metal. Generally, their placement does not require anaesthesia, as it is relatively fast as a procedure, although porcelain veneers are placed under local anaesthesia to avoid sensiti

What is venoplasty and how is it performed? A venoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a balloon to stretch out narrow central veins (typically in the chest or pelvis) using air pressure. The small balloon is inserted and hereafter inflated in order to stretch this narrowing. The balloon is then easily and quickly deflated and removed. During the procedure, the patient&#

What is venous access? Venous access is a medical procedure that involves directly accessing a patient's bloodstream through their veins. It is commonly used in healthcare settings to administer medications, fluids, and blood products, as well as for collecting blood samples for diagnostic tests. This access is essential for delivering treatments effectively, maintaining fluid balance, and di

What is venous insufficiency? Veins in your legs have to carry blood back to the heart, and they can do this because the veins have one-way valves that stop the blood from flowing backwards with gravity. However, if you suffer from venous insufficiency, these valves do not function properly and some of the blood remains in your legs which causes the blood to collect in the veins. This can resu