Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

vara, tibia
See 
tibia vara.
variant angina
See 
angina, Prinzmetal.
varicella
See 
chickenpox.
varicella vaccination
See 
chickenpox immu-
nization.
varicocele
Elongation and enlargement of veins
within the network of veins (pampiniform plexus)
that leave the testis to form the testicular vein. A
varicocele appears bluish through the scrotum,
feels like a bag of worms, and can cause pain or dis-
comfort.
varicose vein
A vein that has enlarged and
twisted, often appearing as a bulging, blue blood
vessel that is clearly visible through the skin.
Varicose veins are most common in older adults,
particularly women, and occur especially on the
legs. Varicose veins can cause cramping pain and
movement problems, or they may simply be a cos-
metic concern. Treatment includes elevating the
affected limb, wearing support hose to increase
pressure on the vein, and in some cases surgery.
varicosity 1 
An enlarged and tortuous vein,
artery, or lymphatic vessel.
2 
Specifically, a vari-
cose vein.
variola
See 
smallpox.
varix
An enlarged and convoluted vein, artery, or
lymphatic vessel. Treatment of varices depends on
where they are and whether they are causing prob-
lems. A varix in the esophagus can be caused by
severe liver disease and can lead to bleeding. This
form of varix can require treatment to prevent dan-
gerous bleeding.
vas deferens
The tube that connects the testes
with the urethra. The vas deferens is a coiled duct
that conveys sperm from the epididymis to the ejac-
ulatory duct and the urethra.
vasa previa
A condition in which blood vessels
within the placenta or the umbilical cord are
trapped between the fetus and the opening to the
birth canal. Vasa previa carries a high risk that the
fetus will die from blood loss due to a vessel tearing
at the time the fetal membranes rupture or during
labor and delivery. Another danger is lack of oxygen
to the fetus. Vasa previa tends to occur with a low-
lying or unusually formed placenta and multiple
gestation. Vasa previa may not be suspected until the
fetal vessel ruptures. Vasa previa can be docu-
mented via transvaginal ultrasound in combination
with color Doppler imaging. When vasa previa is
diagnosed, a C-section delivery is done to avoid an
emergency.
vascular
Relating to blood vessels. For example,
the vascular system in the body includes all of the
veins and arteries. And, a vascular surgeon is an
expert at evaluating and treating problems of the
veins and arteries.
vascular bed
The vascular system, or a part
thereof. For example, the pulmonary vascular bed
describes the blood vessels of the lungs.