Dictionary

CEA Carcinoembryonic antigen.

CEA assay CEA test.

cataract surgery Removal of the clouded (cataractous) lens in its entirety via surgery and replacement of the lens with an intraocular lens (IOL) made of plastic. A typical cataract operation takes about an hour, requires local anesthesia only, and usually does not require hospitalization.

catatonic In a state of catalepsy. See catalepsy.

cath Medical shorthand for catheter or a procedure using a catheter.

cathartic A laxative.

catheter A thin, flexible tube.

catheter, bladder A flexible plastic tube inserted into the bladder. See also catheter, Foley; catheter, indwelling bladder.

catheter, Foley A flexible plastic tube inserted into the bladder to provide continuous urinary drainage. After the catheter is inserted in the bladder, a balloon on the bladder end is inflated with air or fluid so that the catheter cannot be removed. Removal is accomplished by deflating the balloon and slipping the catheter out. See…

catheter, indwelling bladder A catheter inserted into the bladder that remains there to provide continuous urinary drainage. The principal type is the Foley catheter. See also catheter, Foley.

catheter, IV A catheter placed in a vein to provide a pathway for drugs, nutrients, fluids, or blood products. Blood samples can also be withdrawn through an IV catheter.

catheter, oximetry A catheter used with monitoring equipment that can measure the amount of oxygenated hemoglobin in the bloodstream. See also catheter, Swan-Ganz.