The terms “intubation” and “intubated patient”, which are frequently encountered during the Covid-19 pandemic, are important concepts related to patients connected to a ventilator. Intubation is the process of placing a tube (artificial respiratory tube) in the windpipe of a patient with respiratory failure so that they can breathe. This process usually involves respiratory support with special devices and is applied in cases where the patient is unable to perform the function of breathing on their own.
Intubation provides vital support in situations requiring urgent medical intervention and helps the patient maintain oxygen intake by opening the airways. People who want to get detailed information in this context search for answers to various questions.
What is intubation?
When asked “What does intubation mean?” Intubation, known as intubation, is a procedure performed to overcome breathing problems that occur for various reasons. This procedure involves the placement of a surgical tube called an endotracheal tube through the mouth or nose into the respiratory tract. The tube is used to ensure that the individual can breathe adequately and to enable them to be connected to a ventilator, i.e. an air-supplying device.
In response to the question “What does intubation mean?” intubation is usually performed when a person cannot protect their own airway or cannot breathe adequately.
When asked, “What is intubation?”, this applies to individuals who are under anesthesia or sedation, who cannot breathe on their own during surgery, as well as those who cannot provide enough oxygen to the body due to severe illness or injury. This procedure is a critical medical intervention that supports life and ensures oxygen intake.
The intubation process is usually a situation where the patient is asleep or under deep sedation. This is done to ensure the patient’s comfort and the successful completion of the procedure. The patient’s state of consciousness after the intubation procedure may vary depending on their health status and the course of the disease.
The intubated individual usually does not feel pain during intubation because the procedure is performed under anesthesia or sedation. However, the duration of this condition and the recovery process of the patient may vary depending on their health status.
Intubation is a vital intervention and aims to protect the patient’s life by supporting their respiratory functions. The healthcare team takes all necessary precautions to ensure the patient’s comfort during and after the procedure and carries out the treatment process meticulously.
What does intubation mean in intensive care?
The term intubated refers to patients who are connected to a ventilation device, commonly known as an “intubated device”, and these patients are usually monitored in intensive care units. However, not every intensive care patient needs to be intubated. Intubation is only applied to patients who cannot adequately perform their respiratory function on their own.
On the other hand, some patients may not require intubation despite being monitored in the intensive care unit. This varies depending on the patient’s general health status and risk factors. In intensive care units, the patient’s condition is carefully evaluated and intubation is performed when necessary. Even without intubation, patients can be monitored in the intensive care unit due to certain diseases or risk conditions and the necessary treatment process is carried out.
The intubation process includes the following steps:
- Tube placement: During intubation, an endotracheal tube is placed through the mouth or nose into the trachea (windpipe). This tube allows air to pass directly into the lungs.
- Ventilator connection: Once the tube is in place, the patient is connected to a ventilator. The ventilator provides controlled air to meet the patient’s oxygen needs and remove carbon dioxide.
- Observation and care: Intubated patients are continuously monitored and parameters such as airway, tube position, oxygen levels are carefully monitored.
Intubation is usually performed in cases of respiratory failure, severe lung diseases, during general anesthesia or in cases of loss of consciousness. This procedure plays a critical role in supporting the patient’s life and providing proper respiratory support.
Since each patient’s health condition is individual, the intubation process and practices may vary from person to person. Therefore, it is important for relatives of intubated patients to follow only the recommendations and instructions of their physicians in order to achieve the best results.