A secure and rapid method for orotracheal intubation of laboratory rats utilising handy instruments.

Context: Tracheal intubation of anaesthetised rats for laboratory experiments remains an essential yet challenging procedure.

Objective: We aimed to investigate whether tracheal intubation can be safely and securely accomplished in laboratory rats employing only handy instruments and with minimal experience.

Design: The feasibility and safety of a modified orotracheal intubation method was evaluated in rats undergoing open-chest surgery as part of another research protocol, and compared with an existing technique.