valsalva maneuver

Val·sal·va maneuver   (vāl-sāl'və)    n.   Expiratory effort when the mouth is closed and the nostrils are pinched shut, which forces air into the eustachian tubes and increases pressure on the inside of the eardrum. Expiratory effort against a closed glottis, which increases pressure within the thoracic cavity and thereby impedes venous return of blood to the heart. [After Antonio Maria Valsalva (1666-1723), Italian anatomist.]

Main Entry: Val·sal·va maneuver
Variant: also Val·sal·va's maneuver /val-'sal-v&(z)-/
Function: noun
: aforceful attempt at expiration when the airway is closed at some point; especially : a conscious effort made while holding the nostrils closed and keeping the mouth shut especially forthe purpose of testing the patency of the eustachian tubes, adjusting middle ear pressure, or aborting tachycardia called also Valsalva
A. M. Valsalva —see SINUS OF VALSALVA

Valsalva maneuver Val·sal·va maneuver (vāl-sāl'və)
n.

1. Expiratory effort when the mouth is closed and the nostrils are pinched shut, which forces air into the eustachian tubes and increases pressure on the inside of the eardrum.

2. Expiratory effort against a closed glottis, which increases pressure within the thoracic cavity and thereby impedes venous return of blood to the heart.