A new method of orotracheal intubation in mice.

A new method of orotracheal intubation in mice is described. After intraperitoneal induction of anaesthesia, 36 male animals, belonging to common laboratory strains, have been intubated with the aid of a straight, small bore arthroscope, connected to a video-camera. After the insertion of a guide wire of appropriate size across the vocal cords, a polyethylene (PE) cannula has been introduced over it as an endotracheal tube. Success rate has been 100% both in first intubations and in re-intubations; all procedures have been performed in a mean time of about 3 min. Post-mortem examination of mice did not show any significant damage to upper airway mucosae related to the technique.