The concept of intubated, which is frequently heard in severe respiratory health problems, refers to a medical practice that gains importance especially in intensive care processes. Intubation is not a disease, it is a life-saving support method.
What Is Intubated?
Intubation is the state where a tube is placed into a person's windpipe (trachea) and connected to a ventilator to support their breathing in cases where they cannot breathe adequately on their own.
This procedure is a temporary supportive treatment applied to ensure the survival of the patient.
What Does Intubated Patient Mean?
It is a patient who cannot survive without respiratory support and breathes with the help of a device.
In Which Situations Is Intubation Required?
1. Respiratory Failure: Intubation is required in cases where the lungs cannot take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.
2. Severe Lung Diseases:
- Pneumonia
- COPD
- ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)
In these diseases, breathing can become seriously difficult.
3. Loss of Consciousness (Coma): Unconscious patients cannot protect their airway. Therefore, intubation is performed for respiratory safety.
4. Major Surgical Operations: In surgeries performed under general anesthesia, intubation is temporarily applied to ventilate the patient in a controlled manner.
5. Traumas and Emergencies:
- Head trauma
- Multiple organ injuries
- Severe bleedings
In these cases, intubation may be necessary to preserve vital functions.
6. Cardiac and Circulatory Problems: In situations such as cardiac arrest or severe heart failure, oxygen support becomes critical.
The decision to intubate is made quickly and accurately to protect the patient's life. This procedure is not a "last resort", but a life-saving intervention when applied in the early period.
How Is Intubation Performed?
The intubation procedure is performed by specialist physicians.
Step-by-Step Intubation Process
1. Preparation of the Patient: The patient is given the appropriate position (usually the head is tilted slightly backward). The airway is made open and the necessary equipment is prepared.
2. Sedation and Muscle Relaxants: The aim is to ensure the patient's comfort and to make the procedure safe.
3. Placement of the Tube: The physician enters through the mouth with the help of a special device (laryngoscope), visualizes the vocal cords, and places the endotracheal tube into the windpipe (trachea). In necessary cases, the tube is advanced through the nose until it is seen inside the mouth, then passed between the vocal cords (vocal cords) and placed into the trachea.
4. Checking Correct Placement:
Whether the tube is in the correct place is checked by the following methods:
- Listening to lung sounds
- Observing chest movements
- Measuring oxygen levels
5. Connecting to the Ventilator: The tube is connected to the mechanical ventilator, and the patient's respiration is supported or completely provided by the device.
Intubation is a procedure performed within minutes. It is safe when applied by an experienced team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can an Intubated Patient Talk? +
2. How Long Does Intubation Last? +
Uzm. Dr. Levent Meriç
Anesthesiology and Reanimation
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