Professional
Technical
IVT
velamentous insertion
Pronunciation: vel-ah-MEN-tus
Abnormal umbilical cord insertion where vessels run through membranes before reaching the placenta.
Full Definition
Velamentous cord insertion occurs when umbilical blood vessels insert into the foetal membranes rather than directly into the placental disc, leaving them unprotected by Wharton's jelly as they traverse to reach the placenta. This abnormality occurs in 1-2% of pregnancies and increases risks of vessel rupture, foetal haemorrhage, and growth restriction. When these vessels cross the cervical os, the condition becomes vasa praevia, requiring careful obstetric management.
Usage
Usage note: From Latin 'velamentum' meaning veil or covering.
In Context
- "Ultrasound identified velamentous insertion with vessels crossing the internal os, confirming vasa praevia." — Ultrasound report
- "The velamentous insertion was noted at delivery, explaining the foetal growth restriction." — Delivery summary
Also known as
velamentous cord
Contrasted with
central cord insertion
Don't confuse with
marginal cord insertion
vasa praevia