The term "elbowed catheter" refers to a medical instrument designed to navigate through difficult arterial pathways. Pronounced /ˈɛlboʊd kæθɪtər/, the word "elbowed" is spelled with an "e" followed by "l-b-o-w-e-d," while "catheter" is spelled "c-a-t-h-e-t-e-r." The IPA phonetic transcription would be /ˈɛlboʊd ˈkæθətər/. This specialized catheter features a bend near the tip, allowing it to easily navigate around curves and obstructions within small or delicate blood vessels. The elbowed catheter is a valuable tool for medical professionals when performing certain procedures.
An elbowed catheter is a medical device designed for various procedures involving the insertion and navigation of a catheter within the body. It possesses a distinctive bend or curve, resembling an elbow, in its structure. This specific design feature allows for easier maneuverability and access to target areas that may be challenging to reach with straight catheters.
Elbowed catheters are commonly utilized in a range of medical applications, including but not limited to urological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal procedures. They aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various conditions or diseases affecting these systems. The bend in the catheter enables physicians and healthcare practitioners to effectively navigate through complex anatomical structures such as blood vessels, ureters, or the gastrointestinal tract.
These catheters are typically constructed from flexible and lubricious materials to ensure patient comfort during insertion and usage. Additionally, they often possess radiopaque markers, which allow for visualizing the position and progress of the catheter within the patient's body using imaging techniques like X-rays or fluoroscopy.
As with any medical device, elbowed catheters should only be used under the guidance and supervision of trained healthcare professionals to minimize potential risks or complications. They play a crucial role in enhancing the precision and safety of various medical procedures, ultimately supporting improved patient outcomes.
One with an angular bend near the beak, of use when there is obstruction by the prostate.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "elbowed catheter" does not have a specific etymology of its own. It is a combination of two words: "elbowed" and "catheter".
The word "elbowed" refers to something having an elbow-like bend or shape, resembling the human elbow joint. It comes from the Old English word "elboga" which means "elbow".
On the other hand, the term "catheter" has a different etymology. It comes from the Latin word "cathētēr" which was borrowed from the Greek word "kathetḗr". The Greek word "kathetḗr" originally meant a "rule" or "rod", but it later came to refer specifically to a medical instrument used to direct fluids into or out of the body through narrow passageways like the urethra.