Dilator
Dilator
Dilator (/daɪˈleɪtər/; from Latin dilatare, meaning "to spread out, extend") is a medical instrument or device designed to expand an opening or passage in the body. It is commonly used in procedures involving the esophagus, blood vessels, and other tubular structures in the body.
Usage
Dilators are used in a variety of medical procedures. In cardiology, they are used to expand narrowed blood vessels. In gastroenterology, they are used to widen the esophagus in conditions such as achalasia. In gynecology, dilators are used to enlarge the cervix during childbirth or to treat conditions like vaginismus.
Types
There are several types of dilators used in medicine. Some of the most common include:
- Balloon dilator: This type of dilator is inflated once it is inside the passage that needs to be expanded. It is commonly used in cardiology and gastroenterology procedures.
- Hegar dilator: Named after the German gynecologist August Karl Gustav Bier, this dilator is used in gynecological procedures to dilate the cervix.
- Bougie dilator: This is a thin, flexible medical instrument used to calibrate or dilate anatomic structures. It is used in a variety of medical procedures, including those involving the esophagus and urethra.
Related Terms
- Dilation: The process of expanding or enlarging an opening or passage in the body.
- Stent: A tube-shaped device that can be inserted into a blood vessel or other tubular structure in the body to keep it open.
- Catheter: A thin tube made from medical grade materials that can be inserted in the body to treat diseases or perform a surgical procedure.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dilator
- Wikipedia's article - Dilator
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