[Orotracheal intubation in rats].

Abstract

A detailed description of the technique of orotracheal intubation under visual control in rats is given. This method was used successfully in 190 animals, the complication rate being 3.2%. The hazards consisted of laryngospasm (1.6%) and fatal bleeding (0.5%). Intubation was proved to be a safe, reliable, simple and atraumatic way to establish a patent airway in this laboratory animal.