Glossary of Terms Related to Burn and Trauma Treatment
- Arterial Line
- A catheter placed into an artery to continuously monitor blood pressure. We take blood samples from these lines to assess breathing.
- Central Line
- A large catheter placed into a vein in the neck or groin to deliver IV fluids and medications.
- Endotracheal Tube
- A tube placed into the mouth or nose, through the trachea (wind pipe), and to the lungs.The tube connects to a ventilator. Because it passes through the vocal cords (voice box), the patient will not be able to talk. The procedure for placement of the tube is called intubation.
- I.V. (Intravenous Catheter)
- A small catheter placed into a vein to deliver fluids or medications. It must be removed and replaced every three days.
- Intravenous Pump
- A machine that delivers medication or fluid into a vein.
- Intubation
- Putting a tube into the trachea to help a patient breathe.
- Monitor
- A machine at the bedside that checks a patient's heart rhythm and/or blood pressure and respiratory status.
- Tracheostomy
- A surgical opening in the neck into the trachea that allows us to insert a tube. The tube may be connected to a ventilator. We sometimes do this after a patient has had an endotracheal tube for a long period of time.
- Tube Feedings
- Liquid nutrition delivered through a feeding tube that passes through the nose and into the stomach.
- Ventilator (Respirator)
- A machine that helps a patient breathe.
Contact Us
Kessler Burn Center, call (585) 275-2876.
Kessler Trauma Center, call (585) 275-8000.
Transfer Center, call (800) 499-9298 (24 hours).
