What Is an Endotracheal Tube?

Description

     Endotracheal intubation is a medical procedure in which a tube is placed into the windpipe (trachea) through the mouth or nose.

    Whether you are awake (conscious) or not awake (unconscious), you will be given medicine to make it easier and more comfortable to insert the tube.

    The provider will insert a device called a laryngoscope to be able to view the vocal cords and the upper part of the windpipe.

    If the procedure is being done to help with breathing, a tube is then inserted into the windpipe and past the vocal cords to just above the spot above where the trachea branches into the lungs. The tube can then be used to connect with a mechanical ventilator to assist breathing.

Why Are Endotracheal Tubes Used?
 

     An endotracheal tube is often used during surgery and in emergency situations. It is typically placed when a person is unable to breathe on their own. The placement of the tube is called endotracheal intubation.

    There are many reasons why endotracheal intubation is used, including:

Surgery: When a person is under general anesthesia, the lungs are paralyzed. Intubation allows the tube to be connected to a mechanical ventilator to assist with breathing.
Breathing support: An endotracheal tube can support breathing in people with severe pneumonia, a head injury, collapsed lung, respiratory failure, congestive heart failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or other conditions that affect breathing.
    Foreign object obstruction: Endotracheal intubation can help remove a foreign object lodged in the airway.
    Airway protection: An endotracheal tube can prevent the contents of the stomach from getting into the lungs during a massive gastrointestinal bleed.

Why the Procedure Is Performed？

Endotracheal intubation is done to:

• Keep the airway open in order to give oxygen, medicine, or anesthesia.
• Support breathing in certain illnesses, such as pneumonia, emphysema, heart failure, collapsed lung or severe trauma.
• Remove blockages from the airway.
• Allow the provider to get a better view of the upper airway.
• Protect the lungs in people who are unable to protect their airway and are at risk for breathing in fluid (aspiration). This includes people with certain types of strokes, overdoses, or massive bleeding from the esophagus or stomach.

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