Glossary of Respiratory Equipment

Please note this is not a comprehensive list. It is meant to provide an overview of the most common equipment granted by TB Vets.

Blood gas analyzer:
a machine that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels in a blood sample. These extremely important measurements are required to care for patients in the hospital, especially sicker patients with lung & heart disorders.
Body plethysmograph:
a machine used in lung (pulmonary) function labs to measure lung function in order to diagnose and quantify lung disorders.
Bronchoscope:
a fiberoptic scope that is inserted into the patient's airways (bronchi) to visualize and obtain samples for diagnosing lung disorders and sometimes used for removing obstructions in the airways. This is one of the more common tools used by specialists in helping diagnose lung diseases.
Cardio respiratory monitor:
a monitor that measures and continuously displays heart rate & rhythm, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. These are important "vital signs" that are monitored in acutely ill patients
Esophagoscope:
same as a bronchoscope but is used to assess the esophagus rather than the bronchi.
Laryngoscope:
a device that is used in the procedure of placing an artificial airway (endotracheal tube) into a patient's trachea in order to maintain their airway open. Used for unconscious patients, patients that can no longer breathe on their own, etc.
Nebulizer:
a device that either adds humidity to dry medical gas that a patient is breathing or provides a mist of medication that a patient can breathe in.
Oxygen analyzer:
a device that measures the oxygen levels (concentration) in a breathing system. Delivered oxygen levels need to be increased in order to provide enough oxygen to patients with lung or heart disorders.
Oxygen concentrator:
a machine that takes in atmospheric air (with 21% oxygen) and concentrates the outgoing gas to 100% oxygen. Used to provide patients with supplemental oxygen (higher oxygen levels than room air).
Oxygen monitor:
a machine that provides continuous oxygen monitoring for hospital and home ventilators, and NICU and aesthesia delivery equipment.
Peak flow meter:
a device that helps patients monitor their asthma easily.
Pulmonary function system:
a system that tests people's breathing in order to diagnose lung disorders
Pulse oximeter:
a device that measures oxygen saturation and assesses pulse rate
Respirator:
see ventilator
Spirometer:
a device that tests lung function; is one component of a complete pulmonary function machine
Suction regulator:
a device that controls the amount of suction (vacuum) that helps in removing secretions from a patient's airways, lungs, thoracic cavity, stomach, or other body cavities
Ventilator:
a machine that assists or provides all of the breathing for patients who cannot breathe on their own (also known as a respirator)

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