Tracheal intubation (often simply referred to as intubation) is the placement of a flexible plastic tube into the trachea to protect the airway and provide a means of mechanical ventilation. The most common route for tracheal intubation is orotracheal where, with the assistance of a laryngoscope, an endotracheal tube is passed through the oropharynx, glottis, and larynx into the trachea. A high-volume, low-pressure cuff is then typically inflated near the distal tip of the tube to help secure it in place and protect the airway from blood, gastric contents and other secretions. Another route for tracheal intubation is nasotracheal, where an endotracheal tube is passed through the nasopharynx, glottis, and larynx into the trachea. Other routes for intubation of the trachea include the cricothyrotomy (used almost exclusively in emergency circumstances), and the tracheotomy (used primarily in circumstances where a prolonged need for airway support is anticipated).
After the trachea has been intubated and the tube has been secured to the face or neck, the proximal end of the tube is connected to a T-piece, anesthesia breathing circuit, bag valve mask device, or a mechanical ventilator. Once there is no longer a need for ventilatory assistance and/or protection of the airway, the tracheal tube may be removed; this is referred to as extubation of the trachea (or decannulation, in the case of a surgical airway such as a cricothyrotomy or a tracheotomy).
The video shows how to perform the orotracheal intubation.Performed by harvard medical school
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