Definition

1. Noun:
   • A medical device consisting of a flexible tube that is passed through a patient's nostril, down through the nasopharynx and pharynx, and into the trachea (windpipe). Its primary function is to establish and maintain a secure airway for the delivery of oxygen or anesthetic gases, or to provide a route for suctioning secretions from the airway.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The paramedic inserted a nasotracheal tube to secure the unconscious patient's airway.
  • During the surgery, the anesthesiologist used a nasotracheal tube to administer the anesthetic.
  • A nasotracheal tube is often preferred over an orotracheal tube for certain oral surgeries.

Advanced Usage

• "To intubate with a nasotracheal tube": The specific action of inserting this type of tube.
  • The doctor decided to intubate the patient with a nasotracheal tube due to significant oral trauma.
• "Nasotracheal intubation": The medical procedure of inserting a tube via the nasal route into the trachea.
  • The procedure for nasotracheal intubation requires careful navigation of the nasal anatomy.

Variants and Related Words

• Endotracheal tube (ETT) (n): The general category of tubes inserted into the trachea, which includes both nasotracheal and orotracheal tubes.
  • An endotracheal tube is a critical tool in emergency medicine.
• Orotracheal tube (n): A similar tube inserted through the mouth instead of the nose.
  • For rapid sequence intubation, an orotracheal tube is typically used.

Synonyms

• Nasal endotracheal tube: A more descriptive technical synonym.
• Nasal ETT: A common abbreviation used in medical contexts.

Related Medical Terms

• Intubation (n): The general process of inserting a tube into a hollow organ, most commonly the trachea.
  • Emergency intubation was performed to help the patient breathe.
• Airway management (n): The set of medical procedures to ensure an open pathway for air to reach the lungs.
  • Securing the airway with a tube is a fundamental aspect of airway management.

Noun

1. a tube inserted into the trachea through the nose and pharynx; used to deliver oxygen