What is an Endotracheal tube?

A tracheal intubation is a flexible plastic tube that is passed through the mouth into the trachea (windpipe) to help the patient breathe. The tracheal intubation tube is then connected to a ventilator that delivers oxygen to the lungs. The process of inserting the tube is called endotracheal intubation. So let's take a look at the endotracheal tube and how to use it.

This passage is going to talk about the followings of endotracheal tube:

1) Brief introduction of an endotracheal tube

2) How to use endotracheal tubes?

3) Conclusion

1) Brief introduction of an endotracheal tube

An endotracheal tube is a medical device that is inserted into a patient's trachea and/or bronchi to create a temporary artificial breathing channel for the patient, especially for patients who cannot breathe on their own. There are many reasons for placing a tracheal tube, including the use of general anesthesia, trauma or surgery for serious illness.

A common endotracheal tube has one or two capsules at the head, which are inflated to hold the tube in place and seal the airway, or can be used without a capsule. The cannula body is usually made of polymeric material with wire coils embedded in the body to improve radial strength and axial flexibility. Some cannula bodies are made of laser-resistant materials or compounded to resist laser exposure. The endotracheal tube is inserted nasally/orally or percutaneously into the patient's trachea. one end is connected to the anesthesia ventilator through the breathing line to maintain the patient's breathing. Generally endotracheal tubes are provided aseptically and are single-use.

2) How to use endotracheal tubes?

There are many indications for the placement of endotracheal tubes, which can be divided into several major categories. These include

General surgery: general anesthesia is used, the body is paralyzed including the muscular diaphragm, and the use of an endotracheal tube allows the ventilator to perform the work of breathing.

Foreign body removal: If the airway is obstructed by an inhaled foreign body (breathing), an endotracheal tube may be placed to help remove the foreign body.

Protection of the airway from aspiration: If someone has a large amount of gastrointestinal bleeding (bleeding from the esophagus, stomach or upper intestine) or has had a stroke, an endotracheal tube may be placed to help prevent stomach contents from entering the airway.

If the contents of the stomach are accidentally inhaled, the person may develop aspiration pneumonia, a very serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

Visualization of the airway: If an abnormality of the larynx, trachea or bronchi is suspected, such as a tumor or congenital malformation (birth defect), an endotracheal tube may be placed to look closely at the airway.

Post-surgery: After chest surgery (e.g. lung cancer surgery or heart surgery), the endotracheal tube attached to the ventilator may be left in place to aid post-operative breathing. In this case, the person may be "weaned" from the ventilator at some point during the recovery process.

Supported breathing: An endotracheal tube may be placed to support breathing if a person has difficulty breathing due to pneumonia, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), respiratory failure or impending respiratory failure, heart failure or loss of consciousness from an overdose, stroke or brain injury.

Certain medical conditions (especially neurological conditions) may result in complete or partial paralysis of the the muscles and may require respiratory support. Examples include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Green-Barre syndrome and botulism. 1

The diaphragm may also be paralyzed due to damage or compression of the the nerve associated with trauma or a thoracic tumor.

When sedation is needed: If strong sedation is needed, for example when a person is very ill, an endotracheal tube may be placed to help with breathing until sedation can be stopped.

In preterm infants: Respiratory distress in preterm infants usually requires placement of an endotracheal tube and mechanical ventilation.

When a higher concentration of oxygen is needed: the placement of an endotracheal tube and mechanical ventilation can provide a higher concentration of oxygen than room air.

3) Conclusion

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