Endotracheal Intubation

Causes of Fatigue Slideshow Is Sleepiness Hurting You?

Revising Medical Author: George Schiffman, MD
Revising Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

• What is endotracheal intubation?
• What kind of tube is used?
• How do they put the tube down into the trachea?
• What is the purpose of endotracheal intubation?
• What are the complications of endotracheal intubation?

What is endotracheal intubation?

Endotracheal intubation is a procedure by which a tube is inserted through the mouth down into the trachea (the large airway from the mouth to the lungs). Before surgery, this is often done under deep sedation. In emergency situations, the patient is often unconscious at the time of this procedure.

What kind of tube is used?

The tube that is used today is usually a flexible plastic tube. It is called an endotracheal tube because it is slipped within the trachea.

How do they put the tube down into the trachea?

The doctor often inserts the tube with the help of a laryngoscope, an instrument that permits the doctor to see the upper portion of the trachea, just below the vocal cords. During the procedure the laryngoscope is used to hold the tongue aside while inserting the tube into the trachea. It is important that the head be positioned in the appropriate manner to allow for proper visualization. Pressure is often applied to the thyroid cartilage (Adam's apple) to help with visualization and prevent possible aspiration of stomach contents.

What is the purpose of endotracheal intubation?

The endotracheal tube serves as an open passage through the upper airway. The purpose of endotracheal intubation is to permit air to pass freely to and from the lungs in order to ventilate the lungs. Endotracheal tubes can be connected to ventilator machines to provide artificial respiration. This can help when a patient is unconscious and by maintaining a patent airway, especially during surgery. It is often used when patients are critically ill and cannot maintain adequate respiratory function to meet their needs. The endotracheal tube facilitates the use of a mechanical ventilator in these critical situations.