Extubation: When Your Baby Is Ready to Have the Breathing Tube Removed
What Is Extubation?
Extubation is the removal of the breathing tube, called an endotracheal or ET tube, from your baby's airway.
When your baby is intubated, the breathing tube connects to a ventilator that provides respiratory support. Extubation occurs when the NICU team determines that your baby may be ready to breathe without the tube.
How Does the NICU Team Know When a Baby Is Ready?
There isn't one single number that determines when a baby is ready for extubation. Your baby's team considers several factors, which may include:
Breathing effort
Oxygen needs
Ventilator settings
Blood gas results
Apnea episodes
Overall clinical condition
Premature babies may still need respiratory support after the breathing tube is removed.
What Happens After Extubation?
Depending on your baby's needs, respiratory support after extubation might include:
CPAP
High-flow nasal cannula
Nasal cannula
Other noninvasive respiratory support
Some babies may eventually be ready to breathe completely on their own in room air.
What If My Baby Needs to Be Intubated Again?
Sometimes a baby needs more breathing support than expected after extubation and the breathing tube needs to be replaced. This is called reintubation.
That can understandably feel discouraging for parents, but respiratory needs can change as premature or sick babies grow and recover. The NICU team continually adjusts support based on what your baby needs.
