The most complete medical information written by the best doctors

What are ICL implants? ICLimplants are a form of corrective surgery for the eyes. ICL stands for “intraocular collamer lens”. It is an artificial lens that sits behind the pupil and in front of your natural lens, acting as a permanent contact lens. ICLs are also known as phakic intraocular lenses (PIOLs). ICLimplant surgery involves...

What is ICSI? Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an in vitro fertilization technique where sperm is directly injected into the egg. In some cases, the sperm needs to be extracted from the man first with surgery. Why is ICSI...

What is image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT)? Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) is a technique in which high-precision three-dimensional images are taken before and during radiotherapy to show the precise size, shape and location of the tumour. It is a technique that allows greater precision in...

What are immediate loading implants? Immediate loading implants are those used in a procedure whereby the dental implant (with a screw that replaces the root of the tooth) and a temporary prosthesis are placed in a single session. This technique facilitates healing of the bone tissue and the integration of the implants into the bone. This means that there is no waiting period for fixed teeth...

What is immunofluorescence? Immunofluorescence is a microbiological and immunological technique used to identify the presence (or lack thereof) of viral or bacterial antigens and antibodies in a given sample. This can be done by using a specific dye which will make the targeted antibodies...

What is immunotherapy? Immunotherapy, also called biological therapy, biotherapy or biological response modifying therapy (BRM therapy), is a set of treatment techniques that boost the body’s natural defences-the immune system to fight cancer and certain infections. Some

Impacted teeth are those whichremain inside the bone/gums either partially or totally. The term usually refers to third molars, also called wisdom teeth, which are formed between the ages of 16 and 25. An impacted tooth can cause severe discomfort and infections, so in most cases a surgical procedure is necessary. Wisdom teeth are easier to remove when the patient is young, since their roots are not fully formed and there is less risk of damaging nerves...

What is impetigo? Impetigo is a highly contagious infection of the skin which is usually caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria. It enters through a crack in the skin such as a wound, scratch, cut or bite of an insect. It is not generally serious and generally clears within a few days to a few weeks with the right treatment. It can be spread through skin to skin contact or...

What is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)? An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a device used as a preventative treatment for people thought to be at risk ofcardiac arrestdue to ventriculararrhythmia. It is similar to a regular

One of the most common treatments of infertility is implantation. Techniques such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are usually very successful methods of implantation. However, the methods are not fail proof, and there are a number of factors that can cause implantation failure. Repeated implantation failure (RIF) can sometimes occur, and...