Medical Equipment Glossary

A medical device used to deliver oxygen at low flow rates to a patient or person in need of extra oxygen. This device, which is connected to an oxygen tank or portable oxygen generator, consists of a plastic tube with two plastic prongs which are inserted into the nostrils of an individual, allowing oxygen to flow from the oxygen source, through the tubing and out through the prongs into the individual’s nose.

Often referred to as rhinoplasty, this cosmetic surgery procedure is performed to change the shape of the nose and create a more pleasing appearance. A nasalplasty can be performed at the same time as a functional (reconstructive surgery) procedure to improve breathing difficulties (such as a septoplasty procedure).

A nebulizer is a device used to administer medication to people in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs. It is commonly used in treating cystic fibrosis, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. There are different types of nebulizer, although the most common are the jet nebulizers, which are also called "atomizers".

Body ventilators that assist ventilation by applying intermittent subatmospheric pressure around the thorax, abdomen, or airway and periodically expand the chest wall and inflate the lungs, including the tank ventilator, Portalung, Pneumowrap, and chest cuirass.

Referring to the first 4 weeks of an infant's life.

NIBP is a commonly-used acronym for Non-Invasive Blood Pressure, used to describe oscillometric blood pressure monitoring.  This oscillometric equipment uses an electronic pressure sensor (a calibrated electronic device with a numerical readout of blood pressure) to detect blood flow, instead of relying on the stethoscope and ear as is used in the traditional auscultatory method.

Commonly referred to by the acronym NIBP, Non-Invasive Blood Pressure, is a term used to describe oscillometric blood pressure monitoring.  This oscillometric equipment uses an electronic pressure sensor (a calibrated electronic device with a numerical readout of blood pressure) to detect blood flow, instead of relying on the stethoscope and ear as is used in the traditional auscultatory method.

an anesthesia breathing curcuit which incudes a reservoir bag, wide-bore corrugated tubing, and a spring-loaded expiratory valve. This system is semi-closed to prevent rebreathing by having the gas flow rate from the cylinders slightly in excess of the patient's minute respiratory volume.

System from where all the expired mixtures of gases are directly discharged.