Medical dictionary

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. Vasec

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 pla

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

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

What are venous ulcers? Venous ulcers are sores that develop on the legs due to problems with blood circulation through the veins of the leg and minor injury. The problems with blood flow can result in blood pressure in the veins increasing which eventually damages the tiny blood vessels in the skin, which if knocked or scratched, can easily break and form an ulcer. What are the symptom

What is a ventricular assist device?        Ventricular assist devices are small devices that are implanted in the heart to help the heart pump blood from the ventricles to the rest of the body.   The device is a kind of mechanical pump and is used in people who have a weak heart or who have heart failure.   A cardiac surgeon will carry out this pro