Variolation
The old practice of inoculating someone with the virus of smallpox to produce immunity to the disease. Lady Mary Wortley Montagu introduced this practice into England from Turkey in 1721. Unfortunately, the identification of a suitable strain of the virus was not an exact science and grievous disease and death from variolation were not uncommon. From variola, a synonym for smallpox.
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- Varix
An enlarged and convoluted vein, artery, or lymphatic vessel. Treatment of varices depends on where they are and whether they are causing problems. A varix in the esophagus can be caused by severe liver disease and can lead to bleeding. This form of varix can require treatment to prevent dangerous bleeding.
- Varus
(vara, varum) Angled inward, bent or twisted inward, as in cubitus varus, hallux varus, talipes equinovarus, genu varum, and coxa vara.
- Vas deferens
The tube that connects the testes with the urethra. The vas deferens is a coiled duct that conveys sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct and the urethra.
- Vasa previa
A condition in which blood vessels within the placenta or the umbilical cord are trapped between the fetus and the opening to the birth canal, a situation that carries a high risk the fetus may die from hemorrhage due to a blood vessel tearing at the time the fetal membranes rupture or during labor and […]
- Vascular
Relating to blood vessels. For example, the vascular system in the body includes all of the veins and arteries. And, a vascular surgeon is an expert at evaluating and treating problems of the veins and arteries.