MONITOR AND ALL RELATED LIFE

SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

MECHANICAL VENTILATORS
A mechanical ventilator keeps oxygen flowing into the body when it is struggling
or failing to do so on its own. Its usefulness extends far past the point of helping
someone contending with chest colds like bronchitis.

DIALYSIS MACHINES
Dialysis machines have come a long way since they were introduced in the early
40s. WIth the ability to automatically regulate dialysate intake and distribution, along
with setting off warning alarms in the event of a sudden issue, this vital piece of life
support equipment is an important component in any medical facility. Like the
mechanical ventilator, they are also made up of many complex and essential parts.
Their functionality keeps patients healthy and free of toxins while they wait for their
kidney(s) to be replaced.
OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR
An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that gives you extra oxygen. Your
doctor may prescribe one for you if you have a health condition that causes your oxygen
level to drop too low.

HEART-LUNG MACHINE
A heart-lung machine is an apparatus that does the work both of the heart (i.e.,
pumps blood) and the lungs during, for example, open-heart surgery. The basic function
of the machine is to oxygenate the body's venous supply of blood and then to pump it
back into the arterial system. Blood returning to the heart is diverted through the
machine before returning it to the arterial circulation. Some of the more important
components of these machines include pumps, oxygenators, temperature regulators,
and filters. The heart-lung machine also provides intracardiac suction, filtration, and
temperature control.
MEDICAL IMAGING MACHINES
Medical Imaging Systems refer to several different technologies that are used to
view the human body in order to diagnose, monitor, or treat medical conditions. Each
type of medical imaging technology gives different information about the area of the
body being studied or treated, related to possible disease, injury, or the effectiveness of
medical treatment.
 Ultrasound Imaging
 MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
 Pediatric X-ray Imaging
 Medical X-ray Imaging
 Optical Imaging
Several medical X-Ray techniques are being deployed, such as:
 Radiography
 Computed Tomography (CT)
 Dental Cone-beam Computed Tomography
 Fluoroscopy
DEFIBRILLATOR MACHINE
A defibrillator should be used when a person is in cardiac arrest. CPR should be
done until you can get a defibrillator.

PERITONEAL DIALYSIS MACHINE

works by using your body’s peritoneal membrane and exchanges of dialysate
fluid to filter and clean your blood. You can do your exchanges manually throughout the
day or by using a peritoneal dialysis machine—also called a cycler—at night.
NASOGASTRIC TUBES (FEEDING TUBES)
A nasogastric tube (NG tube) is a type of medical catheter that’s inserted through
your nose into your stomach. It’s used for limited periods to deliver substances such as
food or medications to your stomach or to draw substances out.

Different Types of NG Tubes:

 Levin tube: The Levin tube is a rubber or plastic tube that has a single lumen, a
length of 42" to 50" (106.5 to 127cm), and holes at the tip and along the side.
 Salem sump tube: The Salem sump tube is a double lumen tube (one for
suction and drainage and a smaller one for ventilation) made of clear plastic and
has a blue sump port (pigtail) that allows atmospheric air to enter the patient's
stomach. Thus, the tube floats freely and doesn't adhere to or damage gastric
mucosa. The larger port of this 48" (121.9 cm) tube serves as the main suction
conduit. The tube has openings at 17 3/4" (45cm), 21 5/8" (55cm), 25 5/8"
(65cm), and 29 1/2" (75cm) as well as a radiopaque line to verify placement.
 Moss tube: The Moss tube (usually inserted during surgery) has a radiopaque
tip and three lumens. The first, positioned and inflated in the cardia, serves as a
balloon inflation port. The second is an esophageal aspiration port. The third is a
duodenal feeding port.
Needles:
 16 Gauge: This size is mostly used in the ICU or surgery areas. This large size
enables many different procedures to be performed, such as blood
administration, rapid fluid administration, and so forth.
 18 Gauge: This size allows you to do most tasks that the 16 gauge can. Some of
the common uses include administering blood, pushing fluids rapidly, etc. You
can use this for CT PE Protocols or other testing that requires large IV sizes.
 20 Gauge: You may be able to push blood* through this size if you can’t use an
18 gauge, but always check your employer’s protocol. This size is better for
patients with smaller veins.
 22 Gauge: This small size is good for when patients won’t need an IV long and
aren’t critically ill. You usually can’t administer blood* due to its small size,
however, some hospital protocols allow for 22 G usage if necessary.
 24 Gauge: This size is used for pediatrics and is usually only used as a last
resort as an IV in the adult population.
 25 Gauge: 25G ½ refers to a 25 gauge, ½ inch-long needle. Longer needles (½
inch or longer) are commonly used for intramuscular injections, while shorter
(shorter than ½ inch) needles are more often used for intravenous injections.
OXYGEN NASAL CANNULA
- A nasal cannula is a medical device to provide supplemental oxygen therapy to
people who have lower oxygen levels. There are two types of nasal cannulas:
low flow and high flow. The device has two prongs and sits below the nose. The
two prongs deliver oxygen directly into your nostrils.

a) Pediatrics - High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is increasingly utilized in pediatrics,

delivering humidified air and oxygen for respiratory conditions causing hypoxia
and distress.

b) Adult – A normal level of oxygen is usually 95% or higher. Some people with
chronic lung disease or sleep apnea can have normal levels around 90%. The
“SpO2” reading on a pulse oximeter shows the percentage of oxygen in
someone's blood.
OXYGEN REGULATOR
- The regulator (sometimes called the adjustable regulator, flowmeter, or control
valve) reduces, controls, and measures the flow of oxygen to the patient to
ensure a safe and effective working pressure. The regulator and flowmeter
usually are coupled together into one mechanical fitting on the oxygen tank

OXYGEN TANK
- Oxygen cylinders (or oxygen tanks) are medical devices meant to provide
supplemental oxygen to patients. It helps people who are facing respiratory
issues or those who have low blood oxygen levels.