Artificial airway

Artificial Airway

An artificial airway is a medical device used to provide a patent airway for patients who are unable to maintain an open airway on their own. This device is commonly used in emergency medicine, anesthesia, and critical care settings to facilitate ventilation and oxygenation.

Types of Artificial Airways

There are several types of artificial airways, each with its own indications, advantages, and potential complications. These include:

• Endotracheal tube - This is a flexible plastic tube that is inserted through the mouth or nose and into the trachea. It is the most commonly used artificial airway in hospital settings.

• Tracheostomy tube - This is a curved tube that is inserted through a surgical opening in the neck and into the trachea. It is used for long-term airway management in patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation or have chronic airway obstruction.

• Laryngeal mask airway - This is a supraglottic airway device that is inserted into the back of the throat. It is used in anesthesia and emergency medicine for short-term airway management.

• Nasopharyngeal airway and oropharyngeal airway - These are simple airway adjuncts that are inserted into the nose or mouth to prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway. They are used in emergency medicine for basic airway management.

Indications

Artificial airways are indicated in several situations, including:

• Respiratory failure
• Airway obstruction
• General anesthesia
• Coma or altered level of consciousness
• Respiratory arrest
• Severe trauma

Complications

Potential complications of artificial airways include:

• Airway injury
• Infection
• Aspiration
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Tracheal stenosis

See Also

• Mechanical ventilation
• Airway management
• Intubation
• Anesthesia

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