| Valvuloplasty During a valvuloplasty, a catheter is threaded through a vein to the heart where a balloon is used to open a stiff valve. Once opened, the balloon and catheter are removed. |
| Vascular Studies Vascular studies use ultrasound (sound wave) technology to assess the flow of blood in arteries and veins in the arms, legs, and neck. |
| Venogram A combination of contrast dye and X-rays are used to visualize the veins in the legs in order to diagnose deep vein thrombosis and other conditions. |
| Vertebroplasty Vertebroplasty is a procedure in which a special medical-grade cement mixture is injected into a fractured vertebra |
| Vasectomy Vasectomy is surgical procedure you may choose if you are a man and you do not want to father any more children. The word "vasectomy" comes from the two tubes called the "vas deferens" that are cut during the operation. |
| Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibody This test looks for antibodies in your blood that your body makes against the varicella-zoster virus. The virus causes chickenpox and shingles. |
| VDRL (CSF) This test looks for signs of neurosyphilis in your cerebrospinal fluid. Neurosyphilis happens when syphilis isn't treated and spreads to the spinal cord and brain. |
| Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor This test measures the amount of a substance in your body that helps new blood vessels form. The test can help monitor cancer treatment. |
| Viral Culture This test checks to see whether an infection is caused by a bacterium or a virus. It can also tell which specific virus is causing your infection. |