Intubation

Intubation is a medical procedure in which a tube (endotracheal tube) is inserted into a patient’s trachea (windpipe) to allow an unimpeded flow of air into and out of the lungs. The procedure is important for anesthesiologists and physicians to maintain a patient’s airway and is used during general anesthesia, intensive care or in respiratory distress or depression of normal breathing. Intubation is a commonly used procedure in intensive care and is also used in emergency care to assist patients suffering from respiratory failure, lung surgery, and trauma. Its primary use is to maintain a stable airway, assist with breathing, and provide access for supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation or suctioning. Intubation is a potentially life-saving medical procedure and can be used in various medical conditions, including anesthetic complications, asthma, COPD, and respiratory distress syndrome.