Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) facts Enterococci (genus Enterococcus) are bacteria that commonly live in the bowel and are usually resistant to many antibiotics. VRE are enterococci that have become resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. There are only a few antibiotics that are able to treat VRE infections. However, newer antibiotics are being developed. People can be …

What is congestive heart failure? Heart failure can cause edema when extra fluid seeps into the lung cavity or other cavities. Diuretics treat this symptom, but do not cure heart failure. Congestive heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to efficiently pump blood to meet the body’s oxygen and nutrient needs. This impairs normal blood circulation …

What is a thumb injection? A thumb injection is a procedure in which medications, such as coricosteroids, are injected into the thumb joint to treat diseases of the joint. Thumb pain and stiffness can be debilitating and difficult to treat. It can negatively affect the quality of life and cause functional problems that can limit daily activities.  Thumb pain can …

What are volar splints? Volar splints minimize movements and provide support and comfort by stabilizing an injury of the palm or foot, which also reduces pain and helps the injury heal faster. Splints are usually applied to reduce movement and provide support and comfort by stabilizing an injury. They are primarily used during nonemergency injuries to the bones or ligaments …

What is treadmill stress testing? During the treadmill stress test, your heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiograph (ECG) are monitored. Exercise stress testing is performed to determine how your heart responds to physical stress or exertion, such as exercise. The test is known as stress test, treadmill stress test, cardiac stress test, exercise electrocardiogram, treadmill test, graded exercise test, or …

What Is Thoracoscopic Wedge Resection? Thoracoscopic wedge resection involves removing a small, wedge-shaped piece of the lung tissue. Thoracoscopic wedge resection is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves a small surgical cut (incision) for the removal of a small, wedge-shaped piece of the lung tissue. This surgery is used for removing a small tumor or to diagnose lung conditions.  …

What is the endocannabinoid system? The endocannabinoid system is a nerve signaling system throughout the human body that helps maintain physiological, emotional and cognitive stability. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex nerve cell signaling system that modulates the central nervous system’s function and helps maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis is the state of equilibrium in the body in which all the …

What is a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty? A unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a surgical procedure in which only the damaged parts of the knee are replaced in one of the knee compartments. A unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a surgical procedure used to relieve disease in one of the knee compartments. In UKA, only the damaged parts of the knee …

What is a transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB)? A transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) removes a piece of lung tissue for examination and to diagnose lung conditions such as lung cancer. A transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) is a method used by radiologists to remove a piece of lung tissue for examination. It involves inserting a long needle through the patient’s chest wall …

What does synchronized electrical cardioversion mean? Cardioversion is typically used to terminate a life-threatening or unstable tachycardic arrhythmia. Synchronized electrical cardioversion is a medical procedure in which an electric current is passed through a person’s chest to convert abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) to normal heart rhythm. The direct current (DC) shocks to the heart has long been used successfully to …