Medical Devices

You will encounter many children assisted by technology on the inpatient wards. This assistance can come in the form of supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation with or without tracheostomy, gastrostomy and jejunostomy tubes, semi-permanent venous catheters, enterostomies, and urostomies. There are many reasons why a child may require such assistive devices and include conditions relating to sequelae of prematurity; neuromuscular disorders; genetic syndromes; congenital anomalies; and complications of injury, infection, and illness. The technology may be temporary or permanent depending on the child’s underlying diagnosis. This chapter will review commonly encountered medical devices and provide an explanation of indications.