Risks Associated With Endotracheal Intubation

Throat Or Trachea Injury

Throat or trachea injury can occur when an individual undergoes endotracheal intubation. The most common location for an injury caused by the procedure is the patient's larynx. The cartilage in the trachea that supports the main airway can become damaged from inaccurate movements of the endotracheal tube, putting the patient at risk for airway collapse and obstruction when the tube is removed. The instruments used to compress the tongue and epiglottis to get the endotracheal tube into the correct position may cause lacerations and bruises to the patient's throat or tracheal tissues. It is possible for large blood vessels nearby the trachea and throat to become damaged or lacerated if there is a preexisting but unknown vulnerability in the blood vessels. The pressure of the cuff placed in the trachea can be excessive and cause damage to the tissues surrounding it, including the nerves. The blood supply to the patient's tracheal mucosa can also become obstructed as a result of the over-inflation of the cuff. The throat and trachea can also experience other injuries due to long-term endotracheal intubation.

Discover additional risks of endotracheal intubation now.