Intubation of critically ill patients

Respiratory failure is one of the most common causes for admission to an intensive-care unit. Any patient with loss of central nervous system control of breathing, neuromuscular respiratory failure, or impairment of gas exchange may require tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Tracheal intubation provides a conduit for ventilatory support, maintains the patency of an airway that has potential for obstruction, protects the airway from the contents of the stomach, and allows access to the trachea for pulmonary hygiene. Although the mechanics of intubation are easily learned, many factors must be considered in critically ill patients. Herein we summarize the principles of tracheal intubation in acutely ill patients.