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).
The doctor inserts the tube with the help
of a laryngoscope, an instrument that permits the doctor to see down into the
trachea (and even see the vocal cords).
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.