The medical supplies and equipment arena is a complex one, and that is just in the terminology. Here we conclude our brief guide to some of the more commonly used medical terms, explaining everything from a campimeter to a Foley catheter.

CAMPIMETER – This refers to a moveable device, which can be held in the hand, that is used to make measurements in the visual spectrum.

CAPNOGRAPHY – This refers to the monitoring of the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted by a patient in their respiratory gases, and is often undertaken either in the ICU or while the patient is under some form of anesthesia.

CENTRIFUGE – This refers to a mechanical medical device which uses centrifugal force to very rapidly spin small mixed particles of differing densities – be they liquid or solid – while separated by high speed rotation. The effect achieved is similar to that of filtration, separating out the heavier and lighter particles to different ends of the tube.

CO2 ABSORBER – This refers to a device which is used to absorb carbon dioxide from the gases exhaled by a patient while they are under anesthesia.

COLPOSCOPE – This is the name given to a medical device which is used to examine the cervix, vagina and/or the vulva, and which incorporates a magnifying glass into its design.

CONDENSER – This refers to an apparatus that is used to cool gases in order to convert them into a liquid. The name is also sometimes used to refer to the compound lens on a medical microscope, which that focuses light on the specimen that the microscope is attempting to study.

CONSCIOUS SEDATION – This refers to a form of anesthesia in which the patient is able to remain awake and aware during some form of surgery. It involves both a local anesthetic and an anti-anxiety drug to keep the patient free of pain and nicely relaxed while still conscious and able to keep in contact with their doctors. It is used in cases where full anesthesia is either considered to be unsafe or has been refused by the patient.

COSMETIC SURGERY – This refers to a form of surgery that is carried out for reasons of improving one’s physical appearance rather than due to any pressing medical need.

FOLEY CATHETER – We promised we’d get there eventually. A Foley catheter is a form of catheter that is placed in the bladder in order to drain urine and can be left in place for some time. It is also known as an indwelling catheter.

This is just a small sample of the numerous examples of definitions required in the medical supplies and equipment industry.