Endotracheal intubation

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Endotracheal Intubation

Endotracheal intubation (pronounced: en-doh-TRAY-key-al in-too-BAY-shun) is a medical procedure in which a tube is placed into the windpipe (trachea) through the mouth or nose. This is often done in emergency situations, during surgery, or when a patient is unable to breathe on their own.

Etymology

The term "endotracheal" comes from the Greek words "endo-" meaning "inside" and "trachea" meaning "rough or harsh", referring to the placement of the tube inside the trachea. "Intubation" comes from the Latin "intubare" meaning "to insert a tube".

Procedure

During endotracheal intubation, a healthcare provider uses a laryngoscope to open the patient's mouth and visualize the vocal cords. A tube is then inserted between the vocal cords into the trachea. This tube is connected to a ventilator to assist with breathing.

Indications

Endotracheal intubation is often performed when a patient is unable to breathe on their own due to conditions such as respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, or severe trauma. It may also be done to protect the patient's airway during surgery or from aspiration of stomach contents.

Risks

As with any medical procedure, endotracheal intubation carries some risks. These may include damage to the teeth, vocal cords, or trachea, infection, and difficulty in placing the tube.

Related Terms

  • Laryngoscope: A tool used to visualize the vocal cords during endotracheal intubation.
  • Ventilator: A machine that assists with breathing.
  • Respiratory failure: A condition in which the lungs cannot provide the body with enough oxygen.
  • Cardiac arrest: A sudden loss of heart function.
  • Trauma: A serious injury or shock to the body.

External links

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