Medical terminology can be challenging, and the term ‘widely patent’ is one of those medical jargons that are not easily understandable to the common man. Medical professionals and those who work with medical devices utilizing tubes or catheters frequently use this term.
In this article, we will be exploring terms like ‘patent,’ ‘widely patent,’ and their significance in the medical world. We’ll also discuss how medical professionals determine if a tube or catheter is widely patent and the reasons why it is important to maintain patent medical devices.
What Does Patent Mean?
Patient is a term used to describe the openness of a tube or blood vessel. It refers to when the tube or vessel is not blocked or obstructed, allowing fluid or air to flow through with ease. In the case of blood vessels, a patent vein means that blood can move through the blood vessel without being impeded by any blockages.
What is Widely Patent?
Widely Patent, simply put, means that the tube or blood vessel is open at a maximum level. Widely patent tubes or catheters are free of any partial or complete obstructions, and fluid or air can pass through without any resistance. A widely patent tube or catheter is essential for the proper functioning of medical devices like central venous catheters, chest tubes, and gastrointestinal tubes.
How Do Medical Professionals Determine If a Tube or Catheter is Widely Patent?
Medical professionals generally determine if a tube or catheter is widely patent by performing diagnostic imaging tests such as x-rays, ultrasounds or CT scans. These tests provide the medical professionals with a clear picture of the tube or catheter’s internal structure and any potential blockages.
What are the Reasons Why it is Important to Maintain Patent Medical Devices?
There are several reasons why medical professionals must maintain patent medical devices like tubes or catheters. The significance of maintaining patent medical devices includes:
- Prevention of infections: Widely Patent medical devices enable the proper flow of fluids, ensuring that there are no stagnant areas that could result in the development of infections. Infections can cause complications that are detrimental to the recovery progress of the patient.
- Optimizes the effectiveness of medical devices: Patent devices enable medical devices to work effectively. If tubes or catheters are partially or completely obstructed, it can lead to inadequate delivery of medication, fluid or nutrition, hence affecting the patient’s overall health and recovery process.
- Cost-effective: Maintaining patent devices reduces the need for re-insertions, replacement or lengthy hospitalization, thus saving the patient and hospital costs. It also leads to overall cost-effectiveness and the better utilization of medical resources.
Common Medical Devices that Require Patent Catheters or Tubes
Several medical devices that rely on patent catheters or tubes for their functioning include:
| Medical Device | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chest Catheter | Drain Fluid or Air from Lungs |
| Gastrointestinal Tubes | Deliver Nutrition or Medication |
| Central Venous Catheter | Deliver Medications, Draw Blood Samples or Deliver Nutrition |
| Urethral Catheter | Drain Urine from Bladder |
Factors that Could Lead to Partial or Complete Obstruction of Medical Devices
Several factors could lead to partial or complete obstruction of medical devices like tubes or catheters. These factors include:
- Blood Clots/Mucous: Blood clots or mucous can form in the medical devices, partially or completely obstructing them.
- Fluid Build-Up: Fluid build-up in the medical device can cause partial or complete obstruction of the blood vessel or tube.
- Incorrect Placement: Incorrect placement of the catheter or tube could lead to partial or complete obstruction.
- Compression: External compression on the medical device could obstruct the tube or catheter and affect its functioning.
Conclusion
Widely Patent is a crucial term used in the medical world to describe the openness of tubes or blood vessels. It means that the tube is free of any blockages, enabling fluid or air to pass through freely. Medical professionals evaluate the patency of tubes or catheters using diagnostic imaging tests to monitor the level of patency. It is essential to maintain patent medical devices because they prevent infections, optimize the functioning of medical devices and reduce healthcare costs.
List of the Common Questions and Answers related to ‘What does widely patent mean’?
- Q: What does patent mean in medical terms?
A: Patent refers to the openness of a tube or blood vessel, meaning that the tube or vessel is not blocked or obstructed. - Q: What does widely patent mean?
A: Widely patent means that the tube or blood vessel is open at a maximum level, completely free of partial or complete obstructions. - Q: Why is it essential to maintain patent medical devices?
A: It is essential to maintain patent medical devices to prevent infections, optimize the effectiveness of medical devices and reduce healthcare costs. - Q: How do medical professionals evaluate the patency of tubes or catheters?
A: Medical professionals evaluate the patency of tubes or catheters by performing diagnostic imaging tests like ultrasounds, x-rays, or CT scans. - Q: What factors could lead to the partial or complete obstruction of medical devices?
A: Factors that could lead to partial or complete obstruction of medical devices include blood clots/mucous, fluid build-up, incorrect placement, and compression.
References
- Wong, R., Bauer, M. J. Chapter 36 – Medical-Surgical Nursing: Tube Management. Medical-Surgical Nursing: Patient-Centered Collaborative Care, Single Volume (9th Edition). Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 2020. Pages 1030-1067 Accessed on January 24, 2021. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/patent
- Brunton, L.L., Chabner, B.A., & Knollmann, B.C. Chapter 14 – Principles of Cancer Chemotherapy. Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacology, 13th edition. McGraw-Hill Education. 2018. Pages 1523-1544. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/catheter