Medical Procedures and Devices

Medical Procedures and Devices

• CT/CAT Scan: Computerized imaging providing detailed cross-sectional body images.
• Intubation: Insertion of a tube into the airway to assist breathing.
• Pacemaker: Device implanted in the chest to regulate heartbeats.
• Defibrillation: Procedure using electric shocks to restore a normal heart rhythm.
• Angioplasty: Opens blocked vessels with a balloon catheter.
• Laser Surgery: Uses laser beams to cut/remove tissue.
• Dialysis: Removes waste/excess fluids from blood when kidneys fail.
• Life Support: Medical interventions sustaining life, like ventilators/feeding tubes.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records heart's electrical activity.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses magnetic fields for detailed organ/tissue images.
• Stent: Small mesh tube keeping blood vessels open.
• Biophotonics: Light-based technology to study/manipulate biological systems.
• Endoscope: Flexible tube with camera to examine internal organs.
• Feeding Tube: Provides nutrition to patients unable to eat normally.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to visualize internal organs.
• X-rays: Radiation imaging to visualize bones/internal structures.
• Coronary Bypass: Improves heart blood flow by bypassing blocked arteries.

Medical Conditions

• Diabetes: Body improperly regulates blood sugar.
• Arteriosclerosis: Thickening/hardening of arteries.
• Malignant: Describes cancerous cells that can spread.
• Carcinogen: Substance capable of causing cancer.
• Metastasis: Cancer spreads from one body part to another.
• Heart Attack: Blocked blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Obesity: Characterized by excessive body fat.

Organ Transplants

• Allograft: Transplant from a genetically different donor of the same species.
• Isograft: Transplant from a genetically identical donor, like an identical twin.
• Autograft: Transplant from one part of a patient's body to another.
• Xenograft: Transplant from a donor of a different species.

Medical Treatments and Alternative Medicine

• Chemotherapy: Drugs to treat cancer.
• Radiation: High-energy waves to treat cancer/other diseases.
• Radioisotope: Radioactive substance for medical imaging/treatment.
• Nuclear Medicine: Radioactive materials to diagnose/treat diseases.
• Ventilator: Machine aiding patient breathing.
• Chiropractic: Spinal adjustments to improve health.
• Naturopathy: System using natural remedies.
• Homeopathy: Treats with small doses of substances to stimulate healing.
• Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese medicine practice; inserts thin needles into the skin.

Major Health Concerns in Canada

• Five Major Concerns: Cancer, Obesity, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Mental Illness.
• Explanation & Impact: Concerns affect population and healthcare system.
• Treatment & Prevention: Includes medications, lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and preventative strategies.

Medical Imaging Technologies & Uses

• X-rays: Used for bone fractures, lung conditions.
• MRI: Used for soft tissue and brain imaging.
• CT/CAT Scan: Diagnoses muscle/bone conditions, bone tumors/breaks, also called fractures.
• PET Scan: Detects diseases at cellular level.
• Ultrasound: Monitors pregnancy and is used for organ examination.
• Endoscope: Internal organ examination.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Heart activity analysis.
• Considerations: Radiation exposure, image clarity, cost, invasiveness.

Organ Transplants Details

• Reasons for Transplantation: Organ failure, genetic conditions, and severe disease.

Specific Transplant Types

• Autograft: Tissue/organ moved within the same person's body.
  • Examples: Skin grafts for burns, tendon grafts for knee surgery.
  • Advantage: No rejection risk.
  • Disadvantage: Limited tissue availability.
• Allograft: From a genetically different donor of the same species (human to human).
  • Examples: Kidney, liver, heart, or cornea transplants.
  • Advantage: Allows for life-saving when self-donation isn't possible.
  • Disadvantage: Rejection risk, requires immunosuppressants.
• Isograft: Between genetically identical individuals (identical twins).
  • Example: Kidney transplant between identical twins.
  • Advantage: No rejection risk, donor/recipient have identical genetics.
  • Disadvantage: Only applicable to identical twins, which is rare.
• Xenograft: From a different species donor.
  • Example: Heart valves from pigs, skin grafts from animals.
  • Advantage: Alternative when human tissues are unavailable.
  • Disadvantage: High rejection risk and ethical concerns.
• Risks & Challenges for Transplants in general: Rejection, infection, immunosuppressive therapy.

Life Support Forms

• Life Support Forms: Ventilators, feeding tubes, dialysis, pacemakers.

Medical Aids and Devices - Types & Uses

• Prostheses (limbs, eyes, organs)
• Pacemakers (heart regulation)
• Dental implants

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

• Chiropractic: Spinal manipulation for health improvement.
• Naturopathy: Natural healing methods.
• Homeopathy: Small doses of natural substances.
• Acupuncture: Needle therapy for pain and wellness.