Understanding Endotracheal Tubes and Intubators: A Guide to Secure Airway Management

An endotracheal tube (ETT) or endobronchial tube (EBT) is a flexible plastic tube used to establish a secure airway through the mouth or nose and into the trachea during anesthesia or other medical procedures. The tube has a inflatable balloon at its distal end, which is used to secure it in place within the trachea.

An intubator is a device used to insert an endotracheal tube (ETT) into the trachea of a patient. It typically consists of a handle, a channel for the ETT, and a mechanism for advancing the ETT through the channel and into the trachea. The intubator may also include features such as a light source, a video camera, or a stylet to help guide the ETT during insertion.

Intubation is a medical procedure in which an endotracheal tube is inserted through the mouth or nose and into the trachea to establish a secure airway. This is typically done when a patient is unable to breathe on their own, such as during general anesthesia for surgery or during respiratory failure. The intubator is used to insert the ETT into the trachea and secure it in place with the inflatable balloon.