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Val·sal·va maneuver also Val·sal·va's maneuver val-'sal-və(z)- n a forceful attempt at expiration when the airway is closed at some point esp a conscious effort made while holding the nostrils closed and keeping the mouth shut esp. for the 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
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1. forcible exhalation effort against a closed glottis; the resultant increase in intrathoracic pressure interferes with venous return to the heart. Called also Valsalva experiment. 2. forcible exhalation effort against occluded nostrils and a closed mouth causes increased pressure in the eustachian tube and middle ear, so that the tympanic membrane moves outward; formerly used as a test of eustachian tube patency. Called also Valsalva method or test.Medical dictionary. 2011.