Final answer:
A dual-lumen airway is a medical device used in intubation to allow for separate ventilation of the patient's lungs. It is inserted into the trachea, ensuring air can reach the lungs despite blockages or injuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
A dual-lumen airway, known in medical terms as a double-lumen endobronchial tube, is used in the process of intubation. Intubation is a critical procedure performed by medical professionals to maintain an open airway when the respiratory system is compromised, such as when it is blocked by a foreign object or injured.
During this process, a tube is inserted through the mouth or nose, into the trachea, which is the tubular organ of the respiratory system that carries air between the larynx and bronchi, also known as the windpipe. The dual-lumen aspect of the tube allows for separate ventilation of the right and left lungs, which is essential in certain surgical procedures or when one lung needs to be isolated from the other.