ABSTRACT
Fig. 12.2c Sequence of images demonstrating intubation: endotracheal tube inserted into the trachea.
In our experience, with adequate topical anaesthesia patients have tolerated an endotracheal tube for up to 1 hour with minimal conscious sedation (0-5 mg midazolam intravenously). The main caution is to avoid forcing the endotracheal tube against resistance, which is often due to the endotracheal tube being caught around the epiglottis or the vocal cords. Forceful insertion may lead to some trauma of the vocal cords (Fig. 12.3).
