What does intubate mean?
Intubate is a verb that refers to the medical procedure of inserting a tube into a person's airway to facilitate breathing. This is often necessary in emergency situations, such as when a patient's airway is compromised due to injury or illness, or during surgical procedures that require general anesthesia. The goal of intubation is to ensure a secure airway and provide adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Intubation is typically performed by trained medical professionals, such as anesthesiologists, emergency physicians, or critical care specialists. The procedure requires careful technique and monitoring to avoid complications. Intubation is a crucial skill in emergency medicine and critical care, and is often used in conjunction with other life-supporting interventions.
verbTo insert a tube into a person's airway to facilitate breathing, often in a medical emergency or during surgery.
- To insert a tube into a person's airway.
- To insert a tube into a bodily cavity for medical purposes.
"The doctor had to intubate the patient quickly to ensure they could breathe."
"The anesthesiologist intubated the patient before the surgery."
"The emergency responder intubated the trauma victim at the scene."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of intubate
The word 'intubate' originates from the Latin words 'in-' meaning 'into' and 'tubus' meaning 'tube'. The term has been used in medical contexts since the late 19th century to describe the insertion of a tube into a bodily cavity, particularly the airway. The related term 'intubation' refers to the procedure of inserting a tube into the airway.
How intubate is actually used
Formal or medical register; often used in emergency medicine or critical care.