MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Endotracheal intubation

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Endotracheal intubation

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names	Definition

Illustrations

Endotracheal intubation

Alternative Names Return to top

Intubation - endotracheal

Definition Return to top

An endotracheal intubation is a medical procedure in which a tube is placed into the windpipe (trachea). This is done to open the airway to give you oxygen, medication, or anesthesia.

After an intubation, you will likely be placed on a machine called a respirator that will breath for you while the tube is in place.

Endotracheal intubation may also be done to remove blockages or to view the interior walls.

See also: Bronchoscopy

Update Date: 7/18/2007

Updated by: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.