Aterial Line (A-Line)

a very thin tube inserted into one of the arteries (usually in the arm) to allow direct measurement of blood pressure and to measure the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

Central Line

a very thin tube which is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm and threaded into a larger vein close to the heart.

Chest Tubes

tubes placed through the skin and into the chest cavity.  They are used to drain fluid and air from the area around the lungs.

Endotracheal Tube (ET)

a small, plastic tube inserted into the trachea (windpipe) allowing air and/or oxygen to pass to the lungs, bypassing the nose.

Feeding/Gavage Tube

a tiny tube inserted into a baby's nose or mouth and down into the stomach.  Breast milk, formula and mediciation can be given through this tube.

Foley Catheter

a tube (catheter) inserted into the urinary bladder for drainage of urine.  It also helps to monitor fluid status and kidney function.

Gastrostomy Tube/Button

A feeding tube or button inserted directly into the stomach through the abdomen.

Intravenous Infusion (IV)

a needle, or small tube that is placed into one of the veins and is attached to a container of fluids.  It is used to deliver fluids, medications and nutrients, blood can also be withdrawn.

Nasal Cannula

a tube with two little prong that goes just inside the baby's nose to provide extra oxygen when needed.

Naso-Gastric Tube (NGT)

a tiny tube inserted into a baby's nose and down into the stomach.  Breast milk, formula and medication can be given through this tube.

Oral-Gastric Tube (OGT)

a tiny tube inserted into a baby's mouth and down into the stomach.  Breast milk, formula and medication can be given through this tube.

Percutaneous Line

a tube placed in a deep vein or artery in the baby's arm and is used to meet longer-term needs than an IV in the hand or scalp.  This is a type of central line.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)

a tube inserted into the vein and threaded until it reaches the heart.  This can remain in place for a long time and is used to deliver medications and fluids.  This is a type of central line.

Suction Catheter

a tube that helps keep a baby's airway clear by using a thin soft tube to suction out mucus.  This tube is not attached to the baby.

Temperature Probe

a coated wire placed on the baby's skin and covered with an adhesive patch.  The wire measures the baby's temperature.

Tracheostomy Tube

a short piece of plastic that is placed into the trachea through a surgical hole in the neck.  The baby breathes through the tube instead of through his nose and mouth.

Umbilical Artery Catheter (UAC)

a small piece of tubing threaded into the baby's artery in the umbilical stump.  The tube delivers fluids, medications, and nutrients, and can be used to draw blood.

Umbilical Vein Catheter (UVC)

a small piece of tubing threaded into the baby's vein in the umbilical stump.  The tube delivers fluids, medications, and nutrients, and can be used to draw blood.