Atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) are congenital heart defects that sometimes require surgical intervention. An ASD is a hole in the wall or septum
that separates the two upper chambers of the heart, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The...
Transplant hepatology is the study of liver diseases and liver transplantation. Transplant hepatologists manage patients before and after transplantation and work in conjunction with transplant surgeons. They have specialized training in the management of patients with end-stage liver disease,...
Breast ultrasound, also called breast sonography, is a noninvasive procedure that uses reflected sound waves to view and produce a picture of the breast’s internal structures. A handheld device called a transducer is passed over the breast, converting sound waves into electrical impulses....
Oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery (OPRS) is a very specialized form of ophthalmology that focuses on the face, eyelids, brow, orbital bones, tear duct system, and nose. During a two-year fellowship, surgeons are trained in aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery.
Bone marrow is the soft, sponge-like material found inside bones that contains immature cells known as hematopoietic or blood-forming stem cells, according to the National Cancer Institute. Bone marrow transplantation is done to restore stem cells that have been destroyed with high doses of...
Acupuncture is one of the oldest medical practices in the world, originating in traditional Chinese medicine, and is most commonly used to treat chronic pain, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). This technique involves the insertion of extremely...
Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a breathing test that helps measure how well a patient moves air in and out of his or her lungs, and how well oxygen is entering the body, according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS). PFTs are often used to gauge diseases such as asthma, chronic...
Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy involves the insertion of a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) to allow visual examination of the interior of the bronchi. Common reasons for bronchoscopy include recurrent lung collapse, bleeding, lung spots, and infections.
Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which the physician uses an endoscope that has a light and camera, allowing for a color view of the digestive tract. Air is pumped through the endoscope to allow for better viewing. There are many different procedures that are...
A laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is a procedure commonly used to help patients who suffer from gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease. The surgery reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter (the area between the esophagus and the stomach) to prevent backflow of gastric acids into...
