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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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.
Virtual colonoscopy or computed tomography (CT) colonography is a technique that uses a CT scanner and computer software to look at the bowel or colon to detect polyps. Polyps are small growths in the colon that may become cancerous if not removed. The technique offers an alternative to...
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...
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 thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a serious health condition that affects 15,000 Americans each year. These aneurysms occur in the upper portion of the body’s largest artery, the aorta, above the diaphragm. Aneurysms form when flowing blood pushes on a weakened spot in the aortic wall and...
