BASIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS USED IN

HOSPITALS

Cath Lab (Cardiac Catheteriza on Laboratory):

A cath lab is a specialized hospital unit equipped with advanced imaging systems where
diagnos c and interven onal cardiac procedures—such as coronary angiography,
angioplasty, and stent placement—are performed under real- me X-ray guidance to
diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel diseases.

Machine / Instrument Purpose of Use When It Is Used

Cath Lab Imaging System During angiography &

Real- me X-ray imaging
(C-arm / DSA) angioplasty

Hemodynamic Monitoring Measures BP & cardiac

During cath procedures
System pressures

ECG Monitor Con nuous rhythm monitoring Throughout procedure

Defibrillator Corrects fatal arrhythmias VT/VF, cardiac arrest

Contrast Injector Injects contrast dye During coronary angiography

Heart block, severe

Temporary Pacemaker Maintains heart rate
bradycardia

IVUS Visualizes vessel wall & stent Complex PCI

FFR / iFR System Assesses lesion severity Borderline coronary stenosis

Pressure Wire Measures pressure gradient During FFR

Rotablator Removes calcified plaques Calcified coronary lesions

Thrombectomy Device Removes thrombus Acute MI

ACT Machine Measures clo ng me During angioplasty

IABP Improves coronary perfusion Cardiogenic shock

Oxygen Supply System Provides oxygen Hypoxia during procedure

Machine / Instrument Purpose of Use When It Is Used

Suc on Apparatus Removes secre ons Airway management

Crash Cart Emergency management Sudden cardiac events

Lead Apron & Shields Radia on protec on Always in cath lab

Provides real- me X-ray During angiography,

Fluroscopy Machine
imaging of coronary vessels angioplasty, stent placement

OT (Opera on Theatre):
An opera on theatre is a sterile, specially equipped hospital unit where surgical procedures
are performed under asep c condi ons, using anesthesia and con nuous pa ent
monitoring to ensure safety during opera ons.

Machine / Instrument Purpose of Use When It Is Used

Anesthesia Machine Delivers anesthesia & gases During surgery

Mul parameter Monitor Monitors vitals Throughout surgery

ECG Monitor Cardiac rhythm monitoring In all surgeries

Pulse Oximeter Measures oxygen satura on During anesthesia

Capnography (EtCO₂) Monitors ven la on Under GA

Ven lator Provides ar ficial respira on General anesthesia

Electrocautery Cuts ssue & controls bleeding During surgery

Infusion Pump Accurate fluid/drug delivery Long surgeries

Syringe Pump Precise drug administra on Anesthesia drugs

Suc on Apparatus Removes blood/secre ons Surgical field

Defibrillator Treats cardiac arrest Intra-opera ve emergencies

Opera ng Lights Proper illumina on During surgery

Machine / Instrument Purpose of Use When It Is Used

Warming Devices Prevent hypothermia Prolonged surgeries

Heart–Lung Machine Replaces heart & lung func on Open-heart surgery

Laryngoscope Visualizes airway Intuba on

Endotracheal Tube Secures airway General anesthesia

Nerve S mulator Assesses neuromuscular block During anesthesia

Steriliza on Equipment Prevents infec on Before procedures

ICU (Intensive Care Unit):

An intensive care unit is a specialized hospital department that provides con nuous
monitoring, advanced life-support, and intensive treatment to cri cally ill pa ents with
life-threatening condi ons.

Machine / Instrument Purpose of Use When It Is Used

Mul parameter
Con nuous vital monitoring All ICU pa ents
Monitor

ECG Monitor Rhythm monitoring Cardiac pa ents

Ven lator Supports breathing Respiratory failure

Infusion Pump Delivers drugs precisely Vasopressors, seda on

Syringe Pump Low-volume drug delivery Insulin, inotropes

Defibrillator Manages lethal arrhythmias Cardiac arrest

Suc on Machine Clears airway secre ons Intubated pa ents

Oxygen Therapy
Provides oxygen Hypoxia
Devices

Moderate respiratory
HFNC High-flow oxygen
distress
Machine / Instrument Purpose of Use When It Is Used

CPAP / BiPAP Non-invasive ven la on Respiratory failure

ABG Analyzer Measures blood gases Acid-base imbalance

Glucometer Monitors blood sugar ICU pa ents

Dialysis Machine Removes waste products Renal failure

CRRT Con nuous dialysis Unstable ICU pa ents

Advanced cardiac/respiratory
ECMO Severe failure
support

Bedside Ultrasound Rapid assessment Emergency diagnosis

Temperature Monitor Core temperature monitoring Cri cal illness

Chest Drain System Removes air/fluid Pneumothorax/effusion

Crash Cart Emergency management Code situa ons

ICCU (Intensive Cardiac Care Unit):

An intensive cardiac care unit is a specialized hospital unit dedicated to the con nuous
monitoring and management of cri cally ill cardiac pa ents, especially those with acute
coronary syndromes, arrhythmias, heart failure, and post–cardiac procedure care.

Instrument Why It Is Unique to ICCU When It Is Used

Con nuous cardiac rhythm &

12-Lead Con nuous ECG
ischemia monitoring (cardiac- Acute MI, unstable angina
Telemetry System
focused)

Temporary Transvenous Direct rhythm control for Complete heart block,

Pacemaker cardiac pa ents severe bradycardia

Permanent Pacemaker Programming & checking Post-pacemaker

Programmer pacemaker se ngs implanta on
Instrument Why It Is Unique to ICCU When It Is Used

IABP (Intra-Aor c Balloon Mechanical cardiac support Cardiogenic shock, severe

Pump) device LV failure

Bedside Echocardiography Assesses cardiac structure & MI, heart failure,

(Cardiac Echo Machine) func on cardiomyopathy

Holter / Ambulatory ECG

Detailed arrhythmia analysis Unexplained arrhythmias
Monitor (in cardiac units)

Cardiac Output Monitor

Measures cardiac output Hemodynamically
(Thermodilu on / Pulse
directly unstable cardiac pa ents
Contour)

ST-Segment Monitoring
Detects ongoing ischemia Acute coronary syndrome
System

Emergency pacemaker mode

Pacemaker Magnet Pacemaker malfunc on
control

Advanced Cardiac Drug Precise tra on of cardiac Inotropes, an -

Infusion System drugs arrhythmics