sinus of Valsalva

1 of 2

noun

sinus of Val·​sal·​va -väl-ˈsäl-və 

: any one of the pouches of the aorta and pulmonary artery which are located behind the flaps of the semilunar valves and into which the blood in its regurgitation toward the heart enters and thereby closes the valves

called also aortic sinus

Valsalva maneuver

2 of 2

noun

Val·​sal·​va maneuver

variants also Valsalva's maneuver

val-ˈsal-və(z)- 

: a forceful 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 for the purpose of testing the patency of the eustachian tubes, adjusting middle ear pressure, or aborting supraventricular tachycardia

called also Valsalva