ARTIFICIAL AIRWAYS

Definition

A tube or tube-like device that is inserted through the nose, mouth, or

into the trachea to provide an opening for ventilation

Types of Artificial Airways

Oropharyngeal airways
Nasopharyngeal tubes
Orotracheal tubes
Nasotracheal tubes
Tracheostomy tubes
Esophageal obturator airway
Cricothyroid tubes

Indications for Artificial Airways

Relief of airway obstruction
-guarantees the patency of upper airway regardless of soft tissue obstruction.
Protecting or maintaining an airway
N. have 4 main airway protect.
reflexes
1. Pharyngeal reflex
- 9th & 10th cranial nerves gag and swallowing
2. Laryngeal
-vagovagal reflex
- will cause laryngospasm
3 .Tracheal
-vagovagal reflex
- cough when a foreign body or irritation in trachea
4 .Carinal
-cough with irritation of carina

 Facilitation of tracheobronchial clearance

- mobilization of secretions from the trachea requires either an adequate cough
or direct suctioning of the trachea
Facilitation of artificial ventilation
- ventilation with a mask should be used for short periods d/t gastric
insufflation

Hazards of Artificial Airways

Infection d/t bypassing the normal defense mechanisms that prevent bacterial
contamination
Ineffective cough maneuver
Impaired verbal communication
Loss of personal dignity