Instruments Flashcards
Indications
Investigate a patient c¯ pyrexia
Features
Red: anaerobic culture medium
Blue: aerobic culture medium
Method
Take blood using ANTT
Replace needle with a clean one
Wipe top of bottles c¯ alcohol
Fill anaerobic (red) bottle first
Fill in pt. details and send to path lab
Some hospitals have specific teams that take cultures
Catgut Suture
This is catgut suture, which is an example of a natural absorbable suture. Catgut as been replaced my many
of the newer synthetic absorbable materials, however you will still see it being used in the formation of
stomas and circumcisions.
Chest Drain Bottle
This is the bottle to which the chest drain is attached.
If you look carefully on these there will be a line called prime level which is filled with sterile water. The chest drain tubing is connected to a tube which is under the sterile water and therefore acts as a water seal. After a chest drain has been inserted you can see bubbling in the water as the air leaves the pleural space. The chest drain bottle can also be used to collected blood, fluid and pus from the pleural space. The system can be driven by attaching suction to the top of the bottle making it an example of a active closed drainage system.
Indications
As for chest drain tube
Method
Fill bottle to prime level c¯ sterile water
Connect to drain to bottle
Underwater seal allows one-way flow out of pleural cavity
May add suction → active drainage
Complications
Lifting the bottle above the pt can → retrograde flow into chest.
Complications of chest tube insertion
Devers Retractor
This is a type of retractor which is used in open abdominal surgery to allow the surgeon to operate. There are different sizes and types of retractors available, you may frequently be asked to use one during you
clinical training when you are assisting in theatre.
Indications
Surgical instrument used in open abdominal surgery to retract viscera and ↑ the field of view
Method
Curved end inserted into abdomen and placed carefully to retract the viscera.
Can be bent to a suitable shape
Complications
Damage to skin and internal structures
Disposable Rigid Sigmoidoscope
This is a disposable rigid sigmoidoscope, which is used for the inspection of the rectum and lower sigmoid colon. After explaining to the patient what you are about to do, you must attach a light source and a air pumping
device. The patient is placed in the left lateral position and a digital rectal examination is performed. The sigmoidoscope is then lubricated with jelly and inserted pointing towards the umbilicus. Air is pumped into
the rectum to allow you see the direction of the rectal lumen.
Biopsies can also be taken of rectal mucosa through the sigmoidoscope e.g. in a case of ulcerative colitis
Indications
Allows endoscopic examination of the rectum and rectosigmoid junction c¯ possible biopsy.
Can be used in the outpatient or inpatient setting
Investigation of
Rectal bleeding
Colonic Neoplasia
IBD
Features
Graduated plastic tube c¯ an obturator to aid insertion
Method
For good views a suppository should be given prior to examination
Consent pt. and explain procedure.
Examine perineum and perform DRE c¯ pt. in left-lateral position.
Ensure no obstruction to scope
Lubricate scope c¯ aquagel and insert into anal canal
Remove obturator
Attach light source, bellows and eye piece and insufflate air
Visualise mucosa as scope withdrawn
Complications
Perforation
Mechanical: pushing against bowel wall
Pneumatic: over-inflation
Bleeding
Drainage Bag
This is a drainage bag which can be connected top either a nasogastric tube or a drain coming out of the abdomen. Drainage relies on gravity so this is an example of a closed passive drainage system.
Endotracheal Tube
This is an adult endotracheal tube which is used to provide a definitive airway for patients for example during long operations e.g. laparotomies and during cardiac arrests or trauma. The endotracheal tube is inserted using a laryngoscope, through the laryngeal folds. The end of the tube should lie just above the carina to allow ventilation of both lungs. After inserting the tube a balloon at the end of the tube is inflated with air through the blue side port. Position of the tube is checked by looking for symmetrical rising of the chest on ventilation breath sounds bilaterally and no gurgling over the epigastrium indicating oesophageal intubation. The tube is then tied into place.
Feeding NG Tube
This is a feeding nasogastric tube (clinifeed tube) which is used to long term enteral nutrition in patients. It is thin bore and soft making it more comfortable for patients, it is also made of silastic which blocks less often.
After explaining to the patient what you are about to do the tube is inserted into the nostril after it has been lubricated. These tubes come with a wire inside them to aid their introduction, you advance the tube as the
patient swallows. Correct position of the tube is checked by x-raying for the wire. When you are happy with the position of the tube the wire is removed and the feed attached in a sterile manner.
Five Percent Dextrose
This is a bag of 5% dextrose, which can be used in conjunction with normal saline to provide the normal daily fluid requirement for a patient.
One litre of 5% dextrose contains 50g of dextrose in 1 litre of water.
It should be remembered that because the sugar in this fluid is metabolised to carbon dioxide and water you
are essentially giving them water
- 25-30 ml/kg/day of water
- 1 mmol/kg/day of potassium, sodium and chloride
- 50-100 g/day of glucose (limit starvation ketosis)
Fracture Plate
This is a plate that is used in conjunction with screws to internally fix a bone fracture.
note that in order to properly secure a fracture there needs to be two scrws on either side of the fracture line.
Indications
Internal fixation of fractures
This particular type can be used to fix tibial #s
Method
Requires open reduction
Plate aligned with orientation of bone
Screws used to fix plate to bone
Complications
Relate to #, procedure and the plate
The Plate
Infection
Failure
Malposition of the remodelled fracture
Other Types of Fixation
POP
Continuous traction: collar and cuff
External fixation
Intramedullary nail
K wires
DHS
Cannulated screws
Gelofusin
Gelofusin
This is 500ml of gelofusin which is an example of an artificial colloid solution.
Colloid solutions raise the plasma oncotic pressure and hence expand the intravascular compartment. There are other colloids and some available are natural e.g. albumin and blood. Colloids are useful in cases of
shock e.g. due to sepsis or hypovolaemia
Hartman’s Solution
Hartmann Solution
This is an example of a crystalloid solution, which contains sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, lactate & bicarb. It has a similar composition to the extracellular fluid. It can be used to provide the normal daily fluid requirement of a patient or to supplement the patient for additional loses.
Hartmann’s solution is a favorite solution of anaesthetists and is the fluid advocated to be given initially in trauma in the Advanced Trauma and Life Support (ATLS) guidelines.
Na+ 131mmol, Cl– 111mmol, lactate/HCO3- 29mmol, K+ 5mmol,
and Ca2+ 2mmol per litre of fluid.
- 25-30 ml/kg/day of water
- 1 mmol/kg/day of potassium, sodium and chloride and
- 50-100 g/day of glucose (limit starvation ketosis)
Indications, features, method, complications
Hemiarthroplasty Prosthesis
This is a hemiarthoplasty hip prosthesis.
It is used in cases of intracapsular fractures of the neck of femur, as these fractures are prone to avascular
necrosis of the femoral head.
Hickman Line
This is a an example of a long term central venous line which is inserted in a similar way to a central line (usually subclavian).
The remnant of the line is tunnelled subcutaneously which decreases the incidence of line infection. These are indicated for longterm parenteral nutrition, longterm intravenous antibiotic therapy and
chemotherapy.
Indications, features, methods, comp
Hip Replacement
This is the femoral part of a total hip replacement which articulates with an plastic acetabular cup.
The main indication for a hip replacement is pain from osteoarthtis of the hip.
IM Femoral Nail
This is an intramedullary femoral nail which is used to internally fix femoral shaft fractures. Interlocking screws are used to fix the nail. They are usually removed after 12 / 18 months.
Indications
Form of internal fixation used in the Mx of long-bone #s
Femur, tibia, humerus
Features
Titanium or titanium alloy
Screws insert proximally and distally provide rotational and longitudinal stability
Curve fits contour of tibia
Dynamisation
Removal of one or more screws in order to allow collapse
↑ loading of fracture site → quicker union
Method
Inserted under GA
Nail hammered into medulla of bone
Screws lock nail in place
Complications of the Prosthesis
Fracture during nail insertion
Infection
Fat embolus
Delayed or non-union
Intravenous Cannula
This is an intravenous cannula which can be used to give intravenous fluids and drugs. If you wish to give fluid quickly the cannula must be short and large bore.
Irrigation Urinary Catheter
This is a large bore irrigation type foley urinary catheter which is used to irrigate the bladder of patients at risk
of clot retention e.g. after a TURP.
(three way irrigation foley catheter) -10ml in baloon
Indication
Irrigate bladder in pts @ risk of clot retention
E.g. after TURP or in pts c¯ haematuria
Features
3 ports
Balloon inflation
Drainage (middle)
Irrigation
Laparoscopic Port
This is a Laparoscopic post which is used during Laparoscopic procedures e.g. Laparoscopic
cholecystectomy.
These ports allow the surgeon to insert a telescope and instruments in the patient
Indications
Access the abdomen during laparoscopic surgery
E.g. lap chole
Features
Trocar ± sharp blades
CO2 insufflation port
Instrument port with rubber flanges
Method
Small incision made in the abdominal wall
Either trocar used to enter abdomen or surgical entry is made
Laparoscope usually inserted @ the umbilicus
Abdomen inflated c¯ CO2: cheap, soluble, inert gas
Complications
Visceral trauma on insertion
Laryngeal Mask
This is a laryngeal mask airway which can be used to provide an airway during short operations e.g. day cases. It does not protect the airway.
Leg Bag
This is a leg bag which is attached to urinary catheter.
The Bag is strapped to the leg of the patient and is indicated for patients who are mobile and have either a
short or long term indwelling urinary catheter.
A man who suffers with incontinence following sphincter damage after multiple TURPs.
Mannitol
Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic which can be used to lower raised intracranial pressure or drive the urine
output in a patient with obstructive jaundice to prevent hepato renal syndrome
Indications
Osmotic diuretic
Lower intracranial pressure
↓ IOP in hyphema
Method
Given centrally
Complications
May ↑ ICP in the long-term
CI in severe cardiac failure and pulmonary oedema
Nasopharyngeal AirwayIndications
Airway adjunct used in pts. with impaired level of consciousness to maintain a patent airway
Method
Sized according to diameter of pts. little finger
Inserted into the nasopharynx using a rotational action
Safety pin and flared end prevents the tube becoming irretrievable.
Complications
Bleeding: trauma to nasal mucosa
Intracranial placement
Contraindications
Absolutely contraindicated in pts. c¯ facial injuries or evidence of basal skull #
Racoon eyes
Battles’ Sign: mastoid bruising
Haemotympanum
SCF rhinorroea or otorrhoea
Needle Holders
These are special forceps designed to hold the needle to allow the surgeon to suture accurately.
Normal Saline
Normal (0.9%) Saline. Normal saline is an example of a crystalloid solution which contains 153mmol of NaCl.
It can be used to provide the normal daily fluid requirement for a patient or to replace additional losses e.g.
vomit or diarrhoea
Nylon Suture
This an example of a synthetic non absorbable monofilament suture. This suture can be used to close skin wounds.
Indications
Airway adjunct used in pts. with impaired level of consciousness to maintain a patent airway e.g. during extubation
Method
Sized from incisors to angle of mandible
Insert upside down and rotated once in the oral cavity
Complications
Oropharyngeal trauma
Gagging → vomiting
Paediatric Oxygen Mask
This is a paediatric oxygen mask.
Proctoscope
This is a proctoscope, it is used to visualise the anal canal and lower rectum, it is also used when injecting or banding haemorrhoids. After explaining the procedure to the patient, the patient is placed in the left lateral position and a digital rectal examination is performed. The proctoscope is then attached to a light source and lubricated prior to its insertion into the rectum.
Indications
Investigation and management of pts. c¯ perianal pathology: e.g. haemorrhoids, low rectal Ca
Examination of the anal canal and lower rectum ± biopsy
Therapeutic: banding, sclerotherapy
Features
Obturator to aid insertion
Attachment for a light source
Method
Consent pt. and explain procedure.
Examine perineum and perform DRE c¯ pt. in left-lateral position.
Lubricate scope c¯ aquagel, attach light source
Hold in left hand and insert into the rectum.
Complications
Haemorrhage
Perforation
Ryles NG Tube
This is a Ryles nasogastric tube which is primarily used for draining the stomach but can also be used to insert drug, feed or contrast into the GI. After explaing what you are about to do to the patient , you will require a NG tube which has been in the fridge as it is stiffer, some lubricant, a bladder syringe , a drainage bag, litmus paper and tape. The tip of the NG tube is lubricated and inserted into the nostril of the patient pointing it towards the occiput.
The tube is then advanced as the patient swallows. The correct position of the tube is checked by aspirating gastric contents and checking for acidity on litmus paper, if this is unavailable then air can be inserted to the
tube and the epigastrium auscultated for bubbling. Finally an x ray can be taken to identify the tube, however this is time consuming and often does not show the tube. Once the tube is in the correct position a bag is attached and it is taped to the patients face.
Self Retaining Retractor
This is a type of retractor used to hold wounds open e.g. during a hernia repair or an appendicectomy.
Indications
Used to retract a surgical excision and retain the incision open.
E.g. in hernia repair or and appendicectomy
Complications
Compression of nerves of vessels
Shouldered Syringe
This a syringe used for the injection of haemorrhoids with 5% phenol in almond oil.
The injection is performed in conjunction with a proctoscope. The injection is performed above the dentate
line as it is insensitive
Indications
Injection of haemorrhoids with 5% phenol in almond oil
Sclerosant
Method
Consent and explain procedure to pt.
Pt. placed in left lateral position and syringe used c¯ proctoscope to enable haemorrhoid visualisation
2ml of phenol is injected above dentate line: insensitive
Complications
Immediate
Pain if injected below dentate line
Damage to nearby structures
Primary haemorrhage
Late
Prostatitis
Impotence
Silastic Urinary Catheter
This is a drainage type silastic Foley urinary catheter.
Silastic catheters are made of silicone and are more appropriate than latex one for long term catheterization.
Single Lumen CVP
Central venous cannulas are inserted in the superior vena can usually via either the internal jugular or subclavian veins. They can be single or triple lumen lines. They are primarily used to measure the central venous pressure. They can also be used for the insertion of drugs e.g. amiodarone, dopamine or chemotherapy.
Indications, features, method, complications
Stiff Neck Cervical Collar
This is a stiff neck collar which is used to stabilise the cervical spine in a trauma patient when used in conjunction with 2 sand bags and tape. They are sized by measuring the number of fingers from the clavicle to the angle of the mandible, and this is then compared to the measuring peg on the stiff neck collar.
Indications
Stabilise the cervical spine in trauma pts.
Used c¯ two sandbags and tape
Features
Comes flat packed and must be assembled
Hole at front allows access to the trachea
Method
Sized by measuring the number of fingers from the clavicle to the angle of the mandible
“Key dimension” then compared to the sizing peg on the hard collar.
Complications
Incorrect placement
Neck not in neutral alignment
Chin not flush c¯ end of chin piece