Dictionary of Terms
Anesthesia Terms
Analgesia - the absence of normal sense of pain without loss of consciousness.
Analgesic - a drug that relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness, such as an aspirin.
Anesthesia - a partial or complete loss of feeling or sensation, with or without loss of consciousness, primarily for the purpose of surgery or other medical procedure. There are three main categories of anesthesia: general, regional, and local.
Anesthesia Machine - a tool used by anesthesia providers to deliver the safest of anesthetics during surgery. The machine has vital controls for the flow of oxygen, air, nitrous oxide, and anesthetics.
Anesthetic - a drug that produces anesthesia administered by inhalation (breathing) or intravenously (injection or through an IV).
Anesthesia Care Team - anesthesiologists, and CRNAs working together to administer anesthesia and monitor a patient's condition during surgery, other medical procedures, or delivery of a baby.
Anesthesiologist - physician specializing in administering analgesia and anesthesia.
Anesthesiology - the branch of medicine concerned with reducing or eliminating pain or feeling in patients undergoing surgery, the delivery of a baby, or other medical procedures.
Anesthetist - one who administers an anesthetic. In many parts of the world, and particularly in Britain, this term applies to both nurses and doctors. However, in the USA and Canada, physicians who administer anesthetics are referred to as anesthesiologists.
Cardiopulmonary (Heart-Lung) Bypass Machine - a specialized piece of medical equipment commonly used during coronary (heart) artery bypass surgery and other types of surgery where the heart must be stopped.
Caudal Anesthesia - a type of anesthesia produced by injection of a local anesthetic into the caudal canal, a portion of the spinal canal. Caudal anesthesia is used to provide anesthesia and analgesia (pain relief) below the navel. It may be the sole anesthetic or combined with general anesthesia. It is also called caudal epidural anesthesia or a caudal block.
Caudal Block - another term for caudal anesthesia (see above).
Caudal Epidural Anesthesia - another term for caudal anesthesia (see above).
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) - a highly-trained nurse specializing in the administration of anesthetics.
Endotracheal Tube (Breathing Tube) - a tube placed in a patient's windpipe to help the patient breath. It is commonly used during general anesthesia.
Epidural Anesthesia - anesthesia produced by injection of a local anesthetic into the peridural space of the spinal cord, frequently used during delivery, for surgeries below the waist, and for post-operative pain management.
General Anesthesia - anesthesia where the patient is rendered unconscious by administration of intravenous and/or inhalation anesthetics for the period of surgery. The patient's major bodily functions are closely monitored by a member of the Anesthesia Care Team. A breathing tube is usually required during general anesthesia.
Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) - a device that provides a simple and effective way of establishing an airway in the patient during anesthesia. It is more effective than a face mask and less intrusive than a edotracheal tube (breathing tube).
Laryngoscope - a flexible, lighted tube used to look at the inside of the voice box and is inserted through the mouth into the upper airway.
Local Anesthesia - anesthesia where a small area is deadened by injection of a local anesthetic.
Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) - Monitored anesthesia care is a specific anesthesia service in which an anesthesiologist has been requested to participate in the care of a patient undergoing a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure.
Monitored anesthesia care includes all aspects of anesthesia care - a preprocedure visit, intraprocedure care and postprocedure anesthesia management.
During monitored anesthesia care, the anesthesiologist or a member of the anesthesia care team provides a number of specific services, including but not limited to:
- Monitoring of vital signs, maintenance of the patient`s airway and continual evaluation of vital functions
- Diagnosis and treatment of clinical problems which occur during the procedure
- Administration of sedatives, analgesics, hypnotics, anesthetic agents or other medications as necessary to ensure patient safety and comfort
- Provision of other medical services as needed to accomplish the safe completion of the procedure.
Monitored anesthesia care often includes the administration of doses of medications for which the loss of normal protective reflexes or loss of consciousness is likely.
Monitored anesthesia care refers to those clinical situations in which the patient remains able to protect the airway for the majority of the procedure. If, for an extended period of time, the patient is rendered unconscious and/or loses normal protective reflexes, then anesthesia care shall be considered a general anesthetic.
Regional Anesthesia - anesthesia where an anesthetic is administered by injection to deaden a part of the body such as an arm or leg. The patient remains conscious, though often sedated, throughout the procedure.
Respiratory System - The respiratory system refers to the organs and tissues of the body that allow gas exchange. It allows oxyegenation of the blood and the removal of carbon dioxide. It is made up of the airways, the lungs and the muscles involved in breathing.
Sedation - anesthesia where a drug is given to calm a patient during an otherwise excited, uncomfortable, or anxious period of time. Often administered to patients immediately prior to surgery or during uncomfortable medical procedures.
Sedative - a substance that tends to calm, moderate, or tranquilize nervousness or excitement.
Spinal Anesthesia - An anesthetic technique where local anesthetic is placed into the spinal canal using a very small needle. The patient becomes completely numb and unable to move from about the bottom of the ribcage down to the toes. Patients remain awake for the procedure but they often receive sedation along with the spinal.
Additional Resources for Anesthesia Terms
Texas Anesthesia Group
About.com: Surgery
Glossary of Anesthesia Terms
eMedicineHealth Outpatient Surgery Glossary of Medical Terms
