Endotracheal Tube
Term: Endotracheal Tube
Category: Medical Devices
Definition: An endotracheal tube (ETT) is a hollow flexible medical device to establish and maintain a patient’s airway by providing oxygen, anesthetic gases, or medications directly to the lungs. Usually constructed of medical-grade PVC or silicone, ETTs may have a cuffed or uncuffed distal end to limit air escape and secretion aspiration.
The tube can be placed through the mouth (orotracheal) or nose (nasotracheal) into the trachea using a laryngoscope for visualization. ETTs may have radiopaque lines to visualize the tube on X-ray, or a subglottic suction port to remove secretions. Advanced ETT design has included antimicrobial and hydrophilic coatings to reduce infection and friction during intubation.
How they Work: An endotracheal tube is placed through the mouth or nose into the windpipe to help a patient breathe. The cuff is inflated to seal the airway, allowing a ventilator to deliver oxygen and remove carbon dioxide; after use, the cuff is deflated and the tube is carefully removed.
Uses:
- Airway management during general anesthesia or surgery
- Mechanical ventilation in intensive care units for patients with respiratory failure
- Emergency resuscitation to secure the airway in trauma or cardiac arrest
- Prevention of aspiration in unconscious or critically ill patients
- Administration of inhaled anesthetics during surgical procedures
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