MEDICAL EQUIPMENT DEMYSTIFIED

POSITIONING EQUIPMENT

TUMBLE FORMS---Tumble forms provide soft foam positioning support in a variety of options from carrier and feeder seats to wedges and bolster rolls used to promote trunk control, head raising, and arm & hand movement. 

STANDER---A stander is an adjustable standing aid that promotes correct alignment of the trunk and lower extremities. 

HOSPITAL BED---A hospital bed is sometimes used in the home to promote the comfort and well being of the patient as well as for the convenience of caregivers. Common features include adjustable head and feet, adjustable bed height, side rails, washable mattress, and easy maneuverability. 

SPECIALIZED STROLLER---A specialized stroller provide more options and greater weight limits than a regular child's stroller. A therapist should evaluate the child to determine their current and future needs and help decide on the appropriate stroller. Note--these strollers are expensive and are not always covered by insurance.

BATH CHAIR---A bath chair is used in the bathtub or shower to make bathing safe and comfortable for the patient and the caregiver. A therapist should evaluate the patient to choose the appropriate level of support. A Hoyer lift is sometimes used to get a larger patient in and out of the bathtub. 

RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT

SUCTION MACHINE---A suction machine is commonly used to remove secretions such as saliva and mucus from the mouth, nose, throat, and upper lobes of the lungs. Available in both portable (battery operated) and non-portable. Many families prefer portable machines as they are useful during power outages and allow for more outings with the patient. Supplemental suction supplies include catheters such as Yankour, flexible (sterile and non-sterile), and nasal aspirators.  

NEBULIZER---A nebulizer changes liquid medicine into fine droplets (in aerosol or mist form) that are inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask. The nebulizer's "breathing treatments" are commonly used to deliver airway-opening medications such as Albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil, or Airet), :Levolbuterol (Xoponex), or ipratropium bromide (Atrovent). A nebulizer may be used instead of a metered dose inhaler. Many people prefer a battery operated machine to allow for outings and use during power outages.

VEST---The Vest system is an easy to use airway clearance device. Unlike manual chest percussion therapy, The Vest treatments do not require special positioning or breathing techniques. The Vest's Air Pulse Generator rapidly fills and deflates  an inflatable garment, gently compressing and releasing the chest wall up to 25 times per second.This process helps dislodge mucus from the bronchial walls, and thins the thick secretions. The mucus can then be easily removed by coughing or suctioning. It is difficult to get insurance approval for The Vest, but good documentation showing medical necessity and a prescription from a pulmonologist is helpful. 

COUGH ASSIST---Cough Assist is a non-invasive therapy that safely and consistently removed secretions from patients with an ineffective ability to cough by gently applying a positive pressure to the airway and then rapidly shifting to negative pressure. This helps stimulate a natural cough.

OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR AND PORTABLE TANKS---Oxygen concentrators are a safe and convenient source of therapeutic oxygen, and are a good alternative to awkward and potentially dangerous tanks. They are electric or battery operated oxygen delivery systems that extract some of the air from the room and separates the oxygen from the other gases

OTHER EQUIPMENT

PULSE OXIMETER---A convenient and non-invasive way to monitor the patient's oxygen levels. It sits on the patient's finger or toe and displays oxygen levels and sometimes heart rate on a monitor. The three types are non-portable (plugs into the wall), hand-held, and finger tip (both portable and battery operated)

APNEA MONITOR---A device that measures how well a person breathes while sleeping. It check for apnea, a pause in breathing for 5-20 seconds while sleeping. It canalso measure air flow, chest movements, heart rate, and oxygen in the blood.

FEEDING PUMP (FOR G-TUBE)---A small machine calibrated to deliver formula or other fluids at a set rate. It is generally used for those who cannot tolerate bolus (all at once through a syringe) feeds.

TYPES OF FEEDING TUBES

NG (NASO GASTRIC TUBE---A thin tube inserted into the nose which goes down to the stomach.

G (GASTRIC) TUBE--A g-tube is surgically inserted into the stomach to provide long-term enteral nutrition. Some hospitals will place a PEG or BARD g-tube initially to form the stoma (2-3 months) and then transition to a button g-tube.

NJ (NASAL JEJUNAL)---A tube inserted through the nose going down to the small intestine.

GJ (GASTRIC JEJUNAL)---Button is surgically placed in the stomach and tubing runs to the small intestine.

NISSAN FUNDOPLICATION---A surgical procedure that wraps the stomach around itself to prevent acid reflux and reduce risk of aspiration.