 Tracheal tubes can be used to ensure the adequate exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide , to deliver oxygen in higher concentrations than found in air , or to administer other gases such as helium , nitric oxide , nitrous oxide , xenon , or certain volatile anesthetic agents such as desflurane , isoflurane , or sevoflurane . They may also be used as a route for administration of certain medications such as bronchodilators , inhaled corticosteroids , and drugs used in treating cardiac arrest such as atropine , epinephrine , lidocaine and vasopressin . 
