Ventilator and Endotracheal Tube

Ventilator and Endotracheal Tube

• A ventilator assists breathing for babies who have trouble breathing on their own
• It delivers assisted breaths through an endotracheal (ET) tube inserted into the baby's windpipe (trachea)
• Ventilators can be adjusted to provide the correct air-oxygen mixture, breath size, and number of breaths per minute based on the baby's needs

Nasal Cannula

• A nasal cannula is tubing that wraps around the baby's head with prongs that fit into the baby's nose
• It can be used to deliver room air or supplemental oxygen in various ways

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

• CPAP helps babies breathe by keeping a steady stream of air pressure in the airway
• It prevents the tiny air sacs in the lungs from collapsing after each breath
• Most babies on CPAP also have an OG tube inserted to release air that might get into the stomach and interfere with breathing

Pulse Oximeter

• Pulse oximetry measures oxygen saturation levels
• The sensor wraps around the baby's hand, wrist, or foot
• It may have been used in the delivery room for babies who needed resuscitation or supplemental oxygen

Cardiorespiratory Monitor and Electrocardiographic (ECG) Leads

• A cardiorespiratory monitor tracks the baby's vital signs, such as heart rate and breathing rate
• The monitor displays these numbers on a screen and alerts staff to any variations
• Three adhesive patches (ECG leads) are placed on the baby's chest and abdomen or arms and legs

Orogastric and Nasogastric Tubes

• A thin, flexible tube inserted into the baby's mouth is called an orogastric (OG) tube
• If inserted through the nose, it is called a nasogastric (NG) tube
• The tube goes down the food pipe (esophagus) and into the stomach
• It may be used to release gas and fluids from the stomach, or to deliver breast milk or formula to a baby who cannot yet feed from the breast or bottle