Medical Glossary

This is a medical glossary for any medical vocabulary that appears in Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice.

1

 * 10-Blade: The type of blade used on a scalpel. (See scalpel for further details)
 * 15-Blade: The type of blade used on a scalpel. (See scalpel for further details)

A

 * Appendectomy (Also called anAppy): The surgical removal of the appendix. (See appendectomy and General surgery for further details)

B

 * Bovie: A tool used to stop bleeding. (See electrocautery for further details

C

 * Central Line: A catheter placed into a large vein in the neck (internal jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein) or groin (femoral vein). (See central venous catheter for further details)


 * Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder. (See cholecystectomy and General surgery for further details)


 * Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (Also known as CABG): Arteries and veins from elsewhere in the body (most cases the leg) are used to replace the body (the vessels that supply oxygen and energy to the heart) (See coronary artery bypass surgery and Cardiothoracic surgery for further details)


 * Craniotomy: Cutting through the skin and drilling through and removing part of the skull to gain access to the brain. (See craniotomy and Neurosurgery for further details)

I

 * IV: Intravenous therapy - a catheter is inserted into a vein to deliver liquid substances into the body, typically saline (water), medications or blood. (See intravenous therapy for further details)

L

 * Laparoscopic procedures (Also known as minimally invasive surgeries): Surgery performed using small incisions into the body. Commonly used for appendectomies and cholecystectomies (lap coly). (See laparoscopic surgery and General surgery for further details)


 * Laparotomy: Cutting into the abdomen to gain access to the abdominal organs. (See laparotomy and General surgery for further details)


 * Line: Generally referring to an IV.

O

 * Operating Rooms (O.R.): A sterile room where surgery is performed.

S

 * Saline: Sterile water mixed with sodium chloride (table salt). See saline solution for further details)


 * Scrubs: Attire worn by most medical personnel inside a hospital, usually consisting of pants and a short-sleeved top. A scrub cap may be worn, usually during surgery.

W

 * Whipple: Pancreaticoduodenectomy - surgical removal of the head of the pancreas and associated blood vessels and structures. (See pancreaticoduodenectomy for further details)