Definition:

The fiber optic cord between the illuminator and the headlamp worn by the surgeon in the operating room. The light is transmitted from the illuminator unit through a fiber optic cable and into the headlamp. The surgeon is tethered to the unit and and the cord hangs out of their gown like a tail.

Usage:

Careful not to step on my tail.

Synonyms:

headlamp

Created Jul 17, 2010

Definition:

Needles used in venipuncture (phlebotomy). They are often used with people who have spasticity, or thin, "rolling" blood vessels difficult to access.

The needle is held by the 'wings' and placed into the vein, generally at a fairly shallow angle. The wings allow the phlebotomist to grasp the needle very close to the end, to ensure accuracy.

Usage:

I like to use the 25 gauge butterfly on small children.

Synonyms:

winged infusion set, butterfly syringe, butterfly needle

Created by hollywood, Jun 16, 2010

Definition:

A tourniquet. A constricting or compressing device used to control venous and arterial circulation to an extremity for a period of time.

Usage:

Drop the boa constrictor, we're closing.

Synonyms:

tourniquet, cuff

Created Jun 10, 2010

Definition:

Airhead. Literally, "pneumo" refers to breathing and "cephalic" means pertaining to the head. It's often used when patients or family is around to clandestinely slag off the patient knowing few could decipher the medical mumbo-jumbo.

Usage:

The kid tried to pull a Mary Poppins and leap off his roof with an umbrella in hand--quite the pneumo-cephalic.

Synonyms:

airhead

Created Jun 01, 2010

Definition:

Dead on the spot. A term used my a medical professional to describe the scene of an accident.

Usage:

The paramedic said that everyone involved in the accident were DOTS.

Created Jun 01, 2010