Transoral Tracheal Intubation for Gastroscopy in Rats

A new method of orotracheal intubation in rats which was developed to prevent apnea during upper gastrointestinal endoscopiy is described. After the anesthetized animals are relaxed with an I. V. injection of Vecuronium, orotracheal intubation was performed with a thin endoscope under complete visual control. After relaxation is achieved the glottis is wide open and intubation can be performed carefully without any medianical irritation of the larynx. After placement of the tube in the trachea, the fiberoptic was removed and pressure–controlled ventilation occurred. This technique can be widely applied in any kind of rat experiment, where controlled ventilation is required.