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Infant Flow transducer: The connection from the SiPAP
driver to the respiratory abdominal sensors for respiratory
rate monitoring and synchronization.
Interface: Either a nasal mask or nasal prong connected
to the generator used to deliver nCPAP.
Low birth-weight infant: An infant born weighing less
than 2,500 grams.
Nasal CPAP (nCPAP): A continuous flow of gas
administered through nasal prongs inserted in the infant’s
nares or a nasal mask placed around the perimeter
of the nose.
Nasogastric tube (NGT): A soft, flexible tube that is
passed through the nose and oropharynx, down into
the esophagus, where it enters the stomach. Nutrition
and oral medications can be administered through the
nasogastric tube.
Neonate: A newborn infant from birth to four weeks.
Orogastric tube (OGT): A soft, flexible tube that is
passed through the mouth and oropharynx, down into
the esophagus, where it enters the stomach. Nutrition
and oral medications can be administered through the
orogastric tube.
Premature/Preemie: An infant born before 37 weeks
of gestation.
Respiratory acidosis: A decrease in arterial Ph below
7.35 from the norm and usually associated with retention
of arterial CO
2
.
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS): A common
respiratory disorder in premature infants caused by the
deficiency of surfactant defined by respiratory difficulty.
RDS is characterized by rapid respirations, nasal flaring,
intercostal retractions, expiratory grunting, and diffuse
haziness and infiltrates noted on chest x-rays. Treatment
requires either supplemental oxygen or respiratory support.
Surfactant: A phospholipid, which reduces the surface
tension, allowing the lungs to become more compliant.
Support cradle: The support cradle stabilizes the
generator assembly and helps maintain proper alignment
with the nasal area.
Time high (T-high): In bi-level or BiPhasic ventilation,
the set duration for the high CPAP setting.
Variable flow CPAP (VF-CPAP): The creation of a CPAP
level based on flow utilizing fluidic principles. Rather
than provide a constant flow of gas, VF-CPAP provides
a direction of gas flow that depends on the infant’s
respiratory cycle. When the infant exhales, the flow flips
away from the nares and then, flips back as the infant
begins to inhale.
Very low birth-weight: An infant weighing less that
1,500 grams at birth.
Work of breathing (WOB): The amount of effort breath.
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