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.