 Perhaps the most common indication for tracheal intubation is for the placement of a conduit through which nitrous oxide or volatile anesthetics may be administered . General anesthetic agents , opioids , and neuromuscular @-@ blocking drugs may diminish or even abolish the respiratory drive . Although it is not the only means to maintain a patent airway during general anesthesia , intubation of the trachea provides the most reliable means of oxygenation and ventilation and the greatest degree of protection against regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration . 
