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Endotracheal Tube Defined

By , About.com Guide

Updated: January 03, 2009

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Definition: A small flexible tube that is inserted into the mouth and down into the windpipe then attached to a ventilator. The tube is used to protect the airway and to assist a patient's effort to breathe.

More Information About Anesthesia

Pronunciation: en-doe-trake-ee-uhl tube
Also Known As: ET Tube, ETT,
Examples: The anesthesiologist inserted an endotracheal tube so the patient could breathe.
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