Reasons and Procedures for Endotracheal Intubation

Endotracheal intubation is usually an emergency procedure for people who are unconscious or unable to breathe on their own. An endotracheal tube keeps the airway open and helps prevent choking. In a typical endotracheal intubation, you are given anesthesia. Then, a flexible plastic tube is inserted through your mouth into your windpipe to help you breathe.

The trachea, also called the windpipe, is the tube that carries oxygen to the lungs. The breathing tube is sized to match your age and throat size. A small puff of air that expands around the tube after it is inserted is held in place. Your windpipe starts under your larynx or voice box and runs down to or behind your breastbone. Your trachea then splits and becomes two smaller tubes: the right main bronchus and the left main bronchus. Each tube connects to one of your lungs. The bronchi then continue to divide into smaller and smaller airways within the lungs.

Your windpipe is made up of tough cartilage, muscle, and connective tissue. Its lining consists of smooth tissue. Every time you inhale, your windpipe gets longer and wider. When you exhale, it returns to its relaxed size. If any path along the airway is blocked or damaged, you may have trouble breathing or not be able to breathe at all. Endotracheal intubation is required.

1. Working procedure of endotracheal intubation

Endotracheal intubation is usually done in a hospital, where you will be under anesthesia. In an emergency, paramedics at the emergency scene can perform endotracheal intubation. In a typical endotracheal intubation procedure, you will first receive anesthesia. Once you are sedated, your anaesthetist will open your mouth and insert a small lighted instrument called a laryngoscope. This instrument is used to look inside the larynx or voice box. Once your vocal cords are located, a flexible plastic tube will be placed in your mouth and passed through your vocal cords into the lower part of your windpipe. In difficult cases, a camera laryngoscope can be used to provide a more detailed view of the airway.

Your anaesthetist will then listen to your breathing through a stethoscope to make sure the tube is in the correct position. Once you no longer need help breathing, the tube is removed. In surgery and intensive care units, once the tube is in place, it connects to a ventilator or ventilator. In some cases, the tube may need to be temporarily attached to the bag. Your anaesthetist will use the bag to pump oxygen into your lungs.

2. The reasons for using tracheal intubation

(1) An endotracheal tube opens your airway so you can receive anesthesia, drugs, or oxygen.

(2) The endotracheal tube protects your lungs.

(3) Endotracheal intubation should be used when breathing has stopped or breathing is difficult.

(4) An endotracheal intubation machine to help you breathe.

(5) Endotracheal intubation should be used when the head is injured and cannot breathe on its own.

(6) The endotracheal tube keeps your airway open. This allows oxygen to freely flow in and out of your lungs as you breathe.