What is the procedure called for the placement of a breathing tube?

The procedure known as endotracheal intubation involves the insertion of a breathing tube into the trachea to maintain open airways and facilitate mechanical ventilation in patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own. This is often performed in emergency situations or during surgical procedures when a patient requires ventilation support.

Endotracheal intubation is specifically designed for access through the mouth or nose into the trachea, allowing for direct delivery of oxygen and anesthesia. This is crucial in situations such as respiratory failure, severe trauma, or during anesthesia for surgeries.

The other procedures listed serve different purposes: tracheostomy is a surgical creation of an opening in the neck to place a tube directly into the trachea, oropharyngeal insertion involves placing an airway device in the mouth to keep the airway open, while bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure allowing visualization of the airways using a flexible camera, but it does not involve placement of a breathing tube for ventilation.