endotracheal

adj.
Within or passing through the trachea: an endotracheal tube.

(ĕn'də-trā'kē-əl)
adj.

Within or passing through the trachea.

Within the trachea.

• Cole-pattern e. tube — one with a tapered shape with no cuff; designed to be fitted with a wider shoulder at the larynx and narrow end in the trachea. Used in horses.

  Cole-pattern endotracheal tube. By permission from Hall L, Clarke KW, Trim C, Veterinary Anaesthesia, Saunders, 2000

• e. intubation — an airway catheter inserted in the trachea during endotracheal intubation to assure patency of the upper airway by allowing for removal of secretions and maintenance of an adequate air passage. In animals, endotracheal intubation is usually accomplished through the mouth using an orotracheal tube.
• nasal e. tube — an endotracheal tube designed to be passed through the nasal cavity into the trachea. It usually has a thin wall.
• reinforced e. tube — a spiral wire or nylon strip is incorporated into the wall to reduce the risk of collapse or kinking.
• e. tube — a variety of endotracheal tubes is available. The tubes are almost always ‘cuffed’ to allow for their use with a mechanical ventilator. The cuff is a rubber balloon-like device that fits over the lower end of the tube. It is attached to a narrow tube that extends outside the body and allows for inflation of the cuff. Once the cuff is inflated there is no flow of air through the trachea other than that going through the endotracheal tube.