V1: (Cardio)
ventricular outflow tract velocity; EKG, Doppler
V2: (Cardio)
maximal velocity across the aortic valve; EKG, Doppler
VABRA: (OB/GYN/
Test) Acceptable to type as lower case, “vabra”;
endometrium study.
VAC dressing: vacuum-assisted closure for wound healing.
vaccinia immune globulin:
VIG
vacillate: means to waver, change course
Vacutainer drain: (Device)
vacuum fixation
device: (Ophth) for noninvasive, temporary treatment of open
angle glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure for an average of 3 months, at
which time the procedure would be repeated, offering an alternative to surgery
and medications (1996).
vacuum phenomenon: radiolucent collection of nitrogen located in the
area of nucleus pulposus.
VAD: (Abbrev.)
(1) ventricular assist device; (2) vascular access
device; (3) venous access device.
Vagifem: (estradiol)
Rx drug for postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis due to estrogen deficiency (FDA
1999).
Vagi-Gard: OTC
vaginal topical anesthetic.
vagomimetic action: (Cardio) mimicking the vagus nerve.
valacyclovir: generic for Valtrex, Rx oral med for genital herpes
and herpes zoster.
Valcyte: (valganciclovir) Rx drug, 450-mg tablets, for CMV
retinitis in AIDS patients (FDA 2001).
valdecoxib: generic for Bextra, Rx rheumatology drug.
Valdoni clamp: (Instrument)
Valentine position: (Uro) used in irrigating
the urethra.
valganciclovir: (Rx) generic for Valcyte,
oral drug for CMV retinitis in AIDS (FDA).
vallecula: (Anatomy/ENT)
furrow or groove, particularly the area of posterior tongue/anterior
epiglottis in mouth.
valleculae: plural of vallecula.
vallecula sign: on x-ray.
Valleylab: brand
name line of surgical instruments.
valley fever: (Condition) respiratory illness, erythema nodosum or
erythema multiforme, arthralgias.
valsartan: (Rx) generic
for Diovan, oral med for treatment of hypertension
and heart failure (FDA 2001).
Valstar: (Rx)
generic = valrubicin; an anthracycline for intravesical use in treatment of
biopsy-proven carcinoma of urinary bladder in patients who are refractory to
bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and for whom cystectomy is contraindicated (FDA
1998).
Valtrex: (Rx) valacyclovir HCI; oral drug for treatment of genital herpes
outbreaks, also for acute herpes zoster (shingles) (FDA 1997).
valves of
valve, Beall: prosthetic
mitral valve; Beall valve.
Van Alyea antrum
trocar: (Instrument)
van Buren urethral
sounds: (Instrument)
Vancenase AQ: As
of March 1997, manufacturer discontinued Vancenase AQ 42-mcg nasal spray and
replaced it with Vancenase AQ 84 mcg and dropped the “DS” designation; this is
a once-a-day dose (USP 1997).
Vanceril DS: (Rx)
generic = beclomethasone diproprionate; inhalation
aerosol for asthma (1997).
vancocin HCI: (Rx)
generic for Vancomycin (2002).
Vanderbilt forceps: (Instrument)
Vander Woude
syndrome: cleft lip/palate
Van Doren
uterine forceps: (Instrument)
Van Herick test: (Ophth)
Vanicream: (Derm) OTC lotion, cleansing bar.
Vaniqa: (Rx)
generic = eflornithine HCI; topical agent, reduces
unwanted facial hair growth for women (FDA 2000).
vanishing lung
picture: on chest x-ray, reduced bronchovascular markings.
Van Lint/O’Brien
akinesia: (Ophth)
Vannas scissors: (Instrument/Ophth)
Van Osdel
tonsillectome: (Instrument)
Vantex central venous catheter: for
delivery of medications (2000).
Vantin: (Rx) generic = cefpodoxime proxetil; oral suspension
and tablets, antibiotic (FDA 1998).
Vapotherm 2000: oxygen delivery system.
VAPR 3 system:
(Ortho/Surgery) uses
radiofrequency energy and
microprocessor-controlled technology for cutting, ablation, hemostasis, etc.,
of soft tissues during arthroscopic surgery
Varco gallbladder
forceps: (Instrument)
variable stiffness
endoscope: (Device/GI)
tube can be stiffened or more flexible through different parts of the
colon (2001).
vari-angle clip
applier: (Instrument)
Varibar oral contrast media:
(Radio)
a brand name line of products used for
fluoroscopic exams, includes Varibar honey, Varibar pudding, and Varibar
nectar (2001).
varicella-zoster
virus: (Condition) herpesvirus.
variegated lesions: (Derm) different colors within same lesion.
Vari-Lase endovenous
laser: (Derm/Vascular) laser
procedure kit used for varicose veins (2003).
Varivax: (Rx) varicella virus vaccination (chicken pox).
varusization
vas deferens: (Anatomy/Urology)
plural = vasa deferentia
vasectomy,
percutaneous: chemical occlusion with a combination of
cyanoacrylate and phenol.
Vasotrac: blood pressure monitor, manufactured by Medwave; see also Vasotrax below
(do not confuse the two).
Vasotrax device: for measuring blood pressure and pulse rate from
radial artery at the wrist, also manufactured by Medwave,
Inc., do not confuse with Vasotrac, see above.
vastus lateralis
muscle: (Anatomy) thigh/hip.
vastus medialis
obliquus: (Anatomy) NOTE the 2 “u’s”
in obliquus; upper leg.
VATER: vertebral
defects, imperforate anus, tracheoesophageal fistula, and radial and renal
dysplasia.
Vaughn Williams
classification: (Pharm) of antiarrhythmic drugs; class
1, 1A, 1B, 1C, Class 2, Class 3, Class 4.
Vaxfectin: enhances efficacy of DNA vaccination
Vb6 gene: first isolated gene believed to cause arthritis.
VBAC: (Procedure/OB) vaginal birth after a cesarean.
VBC system: (Cardio/Surgery)
Vision Blood Cardioplegia system; smallest unit available to warm and cool the
heart during cardiac surgery.
Vbeam pulsed dye
laser: (Derm) for treatment of leg veins, facial spider
veins, rosacea, scars, warts, stretch marks, port wine stains, and hemangiomas.
(2000).
VCA IgA: (Lab) viral capxid
antigen, Epstein-Barr virus test.
VCUG: (Abbrev./Urology) (1) voiding cystourethraogram; (2) vesicoureterogram.
Veau-Wardill palatal
pushback
VEB: ventricular ectopic beat, including benign (single ectopic
beat); potentially lethal (nonsustained ventricular tachycardia); and lethal
(sustained ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation).
vector lunate joint
VED vacuum erection device: (Urology)
for erectile dysfunction.
vegetations / vegetative
lesions: common in infective endocarditis.
vegan: a
term describing a person who is a very strict vegetarian, no animal products
nor byproducts, no milk, eggs, no fish, etc.
Velcade: (Rx) generic = bortezomib;
injection, multiple myeloma; new class of anticancer agents called proteasome
inhibitors (2003).
Velcro crackles: (Pulm) lung sounds that sound like opening a Velcro fastener
or rubbing strands of hair together.
Velcro rales: (Pulm) dry rales most commonly heard at end inspiration.
velocimetry, Doppler
Velogene rapid MRSA assay:
(Lab) gene-based diagnostic
assay for rapid identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(1999).
Velosulin BR: (Rx) insulin,
for diabetes.
velour graft / patch
vena azygos
vena cava: (Anatomy/Cardiac) plural = venae cavae; the major return conduit of blood from
the lower part of the body to the heart.
Venaflo needle: (Instrument) See also VenaFlow
system below, do not confuse the two! (Source: Stedman’s Medical & Surgical
Equipment Words).
VenaFlow compression system:
Intermittent pneumatic
compression system indicated for prevention of DVT. NOTE: Do not confuse with Venaflo needle!
Venastat: OTC herbal dietary supplement to maintain circulation
and protect against leg edema, contains horse chestnut seed extract (1998).
venenata, cheilitis or
dermatitis
venesection: another term for phlebotomy, or taking blood in the
lab
venlafaxine: (Rx) generic for Effexor, for depression.
venodyne pneumatic inflation device
Venofer: iron
sucrose injection, for treatment of iron deficiency anemia. (FDA 2000).
venom immunotherapy:
(Allergy)
venostasis ulcer
venous access
venous capacitance bed
venous impedance
plethysmography: (Test) measures blood flow through a vein.
venous
insufficiency: (reflux) postphlebitic syndrome.
venous lake: large
superficial venous dilatations.
venous thromboembolism
veno-venous hemofiltration
Ventak Prizm 2
system: (Cardio/Device) implantable device to treat
arrhythmias, automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD).
VentEasy II Isolation valve:
for resuscitation
Venti Mask: trademarked
name (2 words); ventimask: generic
(Source Stedman’s corrections 2002).
ventilation lung
scan: (Test) patient breathes in radioactive gas
ventilation perfusion
scan: abbreviated as V/Q scan
Ventolin HFA: (albuterol
sulfate HFA) Rx inhalation aerosol for prevention of bronchospasm; HFA is hydrofluoroalkane-134a, it is a propellant used instead of
the CFC propellant used in most metered dose inhalers
(FDA 2001).
ventricular
captures: a finding on EKG.
ventriculoperitoneal
shunt: VP shunt
ventriculophasic sinus
arrhythmia
Ventritex
defibrillator: Automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
(1998, Mfg = St Jude
Medical). NOTE: do not confuse with Ventrix below!
Ventrix catheter: neurosurgical
catheter for drainage and monitoring of intracranial pressure (Mfg = Integra LifeSciences,
2001). NOTE: do not confuse spelling with Ventritex above!
Venturi effect: Bernoulli’s
principle applied to fluids in constricted tubes, such as the subclavian
artery.
venule blush ?
VER: (Abbrev) visual
evoked response
veracious: meaning
truthful; see “voracious” below to avoid misspelling.
verbose: (adjective)
meaning wordy, “long-winded”
Verbrugge bone
clamp: (Instrument)
Verbrugghen retractor: (Instrument/Neuro)
Verdeso:
(Rx) generic - desonide; for
atopic dermatitis.
Verdict-II : on-site
screening test for up to 5 drugs of abuse, designed for prison, probation,
parole and rehabilitation environments (2001).
Verelan PM: (Rx)
verapamil hydrochloride, drug to treat
hypertension, bedtime dosing (1998).
Veress needle: NOTE: much controversy about the spelling of this,
but extensive research was done by Vera Pyle, CMT, and her associates at AAMT, which verifies the needle was named after Dr Janos Veress. Reference books are almost evenly divided in
spelling between “verres”, “varess”, and “Veress”,
but AAMT stands behind the spelling listed here as
Veress (2000).
Verhoeff forceps: (Instrument/Ophth)
Verluma: (nofetumobab) diagnostic imaging agent for detection of
small cell lung cancer (FDA 1996).
vermiform appendix: (Anatomy)
vermilion: (mouth)
another acceptable variation on the spelling is vermillion border; may be dictated as vermilion border; the junction
that marks the union of the skin with the mucous membrane of the lips.
Vernier caliper: (Instrument/Neuro)
Vernon-David rectal
speculum: (Instrument)
“verres”
needle—NO, should be Veress needle (as above)
Versalok system: for
low back spinal fixation (1997).
VersaPoint: (GYN) electrosurgical device used with hysteroscopy
for removal of uterine fibroids.
VersaPulse Select
laser: holmium laser for resection of prostate for BPH, also
treatment of tumors, strictures, and urinary lithotripsy (1998).
Versed syrup: (Rx)
generic = midazolam HCI; sedative medication to treat
anxiety (FDA 1997).
vertebrae outgrowths: may be described as teardrop, bagpipe, comma-shaped, non-marginal
syndesmophytes.
verteporfin: generic
for Visudyne, Rx photodynamic (light activated) agent for treatment of macular
degeneration, as well as psoriasis.
vertical induced tropia
test: (Ophth)
verruca:
(Derm) warts; plural =
verrucae.
Vesica anchor:
(Ortho) bone hardware.
vesical: pertaining to the bladder (see vesicle)
Vesicare: (Rx) generic = solifenacin;
used for overactive bladder; also may see as VESIcare.
vesicle: small
sac of fluid (see vesical)
vesicoureteral reflux
vesicovaginal fistula
vesicular breath sounds
vesiculation: the
presence or formation of small liquid-containing sacs, or vesicles (see
fasciculation).
vessicle: part of a cell (see vesical and vesicle).
Vexol: (Rx) rimexolone eye drops, anti-inflammatory.
V-exosyndrome: eye;
also V syndrome.
Vfend: (Rx)
generic = voriconazole; oral med for treatment for fungal infections (FDA
2002).
Viadur: (Rx)
leuprolide acetate; implant for treatment of advanced prostate cancer, inserted
subcutaneously in upper arm every 12 months. (Source: AAMT/ FDA 2000).
Viagra: (Rx) generic = sildenafil citrate; for erectile
dysfunction (1998).
ViAmor: OTC vaginal lubricant.
Vibrant Soundbridge: (Device/ENT) a hearing device for sensorineural
hearing loss (FDA 2000).
vibrometer, vibrometry: measures
vibrations.
Vicoprofen: (Rx)
generic = hydrocodone bitartrate/ibuprofen); combination drug for treatment of
acute pain (1997).
Vic Tanny:
(Business) former name of a health club chain,
now called Bally’s (2000).
Victor ankle brace:
(Ortho)
VID: vitellointestinal duct, yolk stalk.
Vidaza:
(Rx) generic = azacitidine;
for myelodysplastic syndrome.
videolaseroscopy: (Procedure/GYN) modified laser laparoscopy.
videostroboscopy: (ENT/Procedure) examination of the vocal cords.
Videx, Videx EC: (Rx)
generic = didanosine; ddI; HIV drug, antiretroviral (FDA 1999).
Vidicon vacuum tube: (Device)
used for arthroscopy.
“vietel’s crisis”—NO,
should be Dietl’s crisis (Urology)
vigabatrin: (Rx)
generic for Sabril, drug for epilepsy.
Vigamox: (Rx)
generic = moxifloxacin; ophthalmic drops, bacterial conjunctivitis.
Vigor pacemaker: (Cardio) also
Vigor DR.
vigorous achalasia: (ENT)
a variant of angina-like pain from esophageal spasm.
villous: (adjective)
meaning covered with hair (see “villus” below).
villous adenoma: (GI) tumor of the GI tract with vascular projections
of the epithelium.
villous
tenosynovitis: (Condition) arises in soft
tissue, most often in the hands.
villus: (noun)
plural = villi; means a vascular protrusion (see “villous” above).
Vim-Silverman needle: (Instrument)
vinculae: blood vessel bridges (plural).
Vioform
dressing: wound care.
Vioform cream: (Discontinued in the United States) this
hydrocortisone cream has been discontinued in the US, however, is still
available in Canada, so you may hear it in dictations.
violaceous: (adjective)
meaning violet colored
Vionex soap: OTC antibacterial soap, wipes.
Vioxx: (Rx)
generic = rofecoxib; a COX-2 inhibitor, for osteoarthritis and acute pain,
dysmenorrhea (FDA 1999); Update Sept 2004: Vioxx
being pulled off the market because of increased heart attack and stroke issues
related to its use.
VIPoma: vasoactive intestinal peptide secreting tumor
Viracept: (Rx)
generic = nelfinavir mesylate; antiretroviral medication for HIV and AIDS
(1999).
Viralizer System: (Device) a heated nebulizer
device claiming to treat colds and URIs, studies have
not confirmed the findings as yet (2003).
viral load test: (Lab)
tests that measure HIV RNA for use in prognosis as well as to monitor the
efficacy of anti-HIV drug regimens (1997).
Viramune: (Rx)
generic = nevirapine; HIV drug.
VircoGEN: (Lab) diagnostic testing procedure to evaluate
resistance of HIV to antiretroviral drugs (1998).
Viread: (Rx)
generic = tenofovir disoproxil fumarate,
DF, or TDF; for treatment of HIV infection, taken in
combination with other antiretroviral agents (2001).
Viroptic: (Rx)
contains trifluridine 1%; ophthalmic
solution, anti-inflammatory, particularly for herpes simplex infection (1998).
ViroSeq system: (Lab)
HIV-1 genotyping system, to detect mutations in HIV-1 virus associated with
drug resistance (2003).
virtual colonoscopy: CT scan-based diagnostic procedure that creates 3D
images of colon lining, may be used as alternative to conventional colonoscopy
(New England Journal of Medicine 1999).
virtual phenotype: viral
susceptibility testing.
VISI deformity:
(Ortho) volar intercalated segment instability;
aka, static VISI, dynamic VISI (see
also DISI deformity).
Visicol: (Rx) sodium phosphate, bowel prep for colonoscopy, oral
tablets.
Vision Blood Cardioplegia system: (Cardio/Surgery/Device)
VBC, smallest unit available to warm and cool the
heart during cardiac surgery.
VisiVite:
OTC vitamins/supplements
combination for treating macular degeneration.
vis-à-vis: phrase
meaning “compared with” (pronounced “veeza-vee”)
Visatec cystotome: (Instrument)
VISC instrument: (Ophth) vitreous infusion suction cutter
visceral larva migrans: (GI)
disease of hepatomegaly, fever, cough, caused by ingestion of Toxocara canis
ova.
Viscoat: (Ophth)
Viscoelastic material for use in ophthalmic surgery.
viscoelastic: material used in various medical devices as a
padding usually, viscous as well as elastic properties.
viscoelasticity:stability: related to geophysical
properties.
Viscoheel pads: (Pod) insoles used to improve foot and heel pain,
also Viscoheel K, Viscoheel N are variations of this. NOTE:
source of spelling from manufacturer’s website
(Bauerfeind, Inc).
Viscolas: (Pod/Device) brand name of foot and heel pads
containing viscoelastic padding, as well as hand and wrist pads.
ViscoSpot: (Pod/Device) a Viscoheel
pad with a blue dot in the center to improve cushioning for heel pain.
viscous: (adjective)
meaning thick; see “viscus”
viscus: (noun)
meaning large organ; plural = viscera; see “viscous”.
Visicol: (Pharm) formerly
known as “Diacol”; sodium phosphate, for GI cleansing before colonoscopy.
Visiting Nurse Service: Address
is: 4801 Hayes Road, Madison, WI 53704
(2003).
VisoV: (Pulm) lung volume at which
the two flow rates are identical.
Visudyne: (Rx)
generic = verteporfin; for treatment of macular degeneration.
Visulas Nd-YAG laser: (Equip)
visuscope: (Ophth/Device)
ophthalmoscope that reflects a black star on patient’s fundus
VIT:
(Abbrev)
venom immunotherapy.
Vitajet-3: needle-free insulin delivery system (2001)
vital capacity: (Pulm) the greatest volume of air that can be exhaled from
the lungs after maximum inspiration.
vitallium: (Chemistry) alloy used in dental appliances,
dentures, implants, prostheses, etc.
Vitalock Cluster
acetabular component: (Ortho)
Vitalock Talon acetabular
component ?
vitalography: (Equip) used for lung
function tests.
VitalStim Therapy: (GI) neuromuscular electrical
stimulation to re-train throat muscles to swallow to avoid need for feeding
tubes, outpatient therapy sessions.
Vitamin D2 level: (Lab) ergocalciferol, level of synthetic vitamin D
given as a supplement.
vitamin D-resistant
rickets: (Disease) metabolic disorder not responsive to
vitamin D therapy.
vitelliform: meaning
yolk-like, see “pseudovitelliform”.
vitelliform macular
dystrophy: (Ophth) a form of macular degeneration, inherited,
lose sight in one eye only.
vitellointestinal duct: (Neonatology) VID; yolk stalk
Vitesse laser catheter: (Surgery) improves
dissolving of tissue blocking arteries.
Vitex agnus-castus:
(Herbal) supplement used for
menstrual and menopausal symptoms and infertility.
vitiate: (verb)
meaning to make faulty or to invalidate.
vitometer: (Pulm)
disposable vital capacity measuring
device.
Vitrase: (Rx) for
treatment of vitreous hemorrhage; increases absorption of injectable drugs.
Vitrax: (Rx) sodium hyalouronate; viscoelastic
ophthalmic agent used in cataract extraction, glaucoma, retinal detachment,
etc.
vitreolenticular: (Ophth) pertaining to the
vitreous and the lens.
vitreous base: (Ophth) area under or behind vitreous.
vitreous body: (Ophth) jellylike substance filling interior of the
eyeball.
vitreous face: (Ophth) area above the front of the vitreous.
vitreous space: (Ophth) area the vitreous body occupies, between the
lens and the retina.
vitriol: crystalline
sulfate, salts of sulfuric acid; also meaning highly severe, as in vitriolic
criticism.
VITRO Trial: (Clinical Trial) Vitamins In Thrombosis Trial.
vitrophage, Peyman: (Instrument) for removal of
vitreous.
vivax malaria: related to the malarial parasite causing this,
Plasmodium vivax.
Vivelle: (Rx)
estradiol transdermal patch; treatment for menopause.
Vivelle-Dot: (Rx)
smaller version of Vivelle above.
viz.: (videlicet) expressed orally as “namely”, not as “viz”, to wit ?
Vizsla: a breed of hunting dog (Source: AKC Listing),
pronounced “veez-luh”.
VLDL: (Hem) very low density lipoprotein.
V-max: (Cardio)
rate of rise, maximum velocity
VMO: (Abbrev.)
vastus medialis obliquus.
VNS:
(Abbrev)
Visiting Nurse Service, 4801 Hayes Road, Madison, WI 53704.
“vocalizes”: (Voice) a word formed meaning vocal exercises.
Vogel nephropexy: ? surgical fixation of a displaced kidney
Vogt cataract: (Ophth) frostlike
scintillating opacities in the superficial layers of the embryonic nucleus.
Volkmann rake
retractor: (Instrument)
Volurex spirometer: (Pulm) used to measure
inspiration capacity.
Volutrol apparatus: (Instrument) for
IV lines
vomer septum
forceps: (Instrument)
von Economo
encephalitis: (Neuro) symptoms include
ophthalmoplegia and increased somnolence, and in some patients the delayed
onset of Parkinson disease.
von Eicken antrum
tube: (Equip)
von Graefe eye speculum,
knife: (Instruments)
von Langenbeck
incision/procedure: (Plastic Surgery) to close cleft palate.
von Norden
technique: (Ophth) ?
von Recklinghausen
syndrome / disease: (Neuro) neurofibromatosis
Von Rosen splint: (Ortho) hip
Von Rosen view: (Radio) x-ray
for determining hip dislocation
von Willebrand
disease: (Hem) bleeding disorder
Voorhoeve disease: (Ortho) osteopathia
striata
voracious: (English)
meaning exceedingly eager to do something, as in “voracious appetite”. (NOTE:
veracious means truthful).
voriconazole: (Rx)
generic for VFEND (FDA 2002)
vortex veins: (Ophth) aka, vorticose
veins; of the eye.
VoSpire: (Rx) albuterol extended release.
voxel: (Radio) pertains to the resolution on x-rays, MRI
and CT (similar to a photographic “pixel”).
V-pattern esotropia: (Ophth)
convergent strabismus greater in downward than upward gaze.
VP shunt: ventriculoperitoneal
VPC: (Abbrev) ventricular
premature complex
VPD: (Abbrev) ventricular
premature dipolarization
V/Q scan: ventilation/perfusion
scan, type as shown.
VSD: (Abbrev) ventricular septal defect
V tach: (Cardio)
short for ventricular tachycardia; may be dictated as “V tach”,
write it out instead.
vulgaris, verruca: (Derm)
vulgaris means the ordinary type.
vulnerable phase:
(Cardio) in cardiac cycle,
where an ectopic impulse may lead to fibrillation or flutter.
Vulpuis-Compere procedure:
(Ortho/Podiatry)
for tight heel cords
VVI single chamber pacemaker: (Cardio/Device) implanted in ventricle.
V-Y flap: (Plastics)
technique used to lengthen or shorten an anatomic surface by making a V
incision and closing the tissue to form a Y, or vice versa.
Vytorin: (Rx) ezetimibe/simvastatin; for cholesterol
reduction.
VZV syndrome: varicella zoster virus syndrome; congenital syndrome
consisting of some combination of (1) skin lesions, (2) limb deformities, and
(3) central nervous system and/or ocular abnormalities.