Tracheal Intubation
Placement of an endotracheal tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea to secure and maintain a patent airway during general anesthesia.
Full Definition
Tracheal intubation involves inserting a cuffed or uncuffed endotracheal tube past the vocal cords and into the trachea, typically under direct or video laryngoscopy. In dental anesthesiology, it is employed when airway protection, prolonged procedures, or patient positioning demands a definitive airway. Proper tube placement is confirmed by capnography waveform, bilateral chest rise, and auscultation. Editors should note that 'intubation' alone does not specify the tracheal route and may be ambiguous in dental-surgical reports.
Usage
Usage note: Do not shorten to 'intubation' without qualification in clinical documents; specify tracheal versus nasotracheal route.
In Context
- "Tracheal intubation was selected over a laryngeal mask airway given the anticipated surgical access to the posterior mandible." — Operative anesthesia report
- "The anesthesiologist documented tracheal intubation confirmed by continuous EtCO₂ monitoring throughout the procedure." — Anesthesia record