(in″sŭ-flā′shŏn)

[insufflate]
Blowing a gas, powder, or vapor into a cavity or an organ (such as the colon or the lungs).

CO2 insufflation

The introduction of carbon dioxide gas into a body cavity such as the peritoneum during laparoscopic surgery.

nasal insufflation

Inhalation of a powdery or granular substance into the nostrils. It is used as a method of drug delivery, as of illicit drugs such as cocaine or heroin. It is known colloquially as snorting.

perirenal insufflation

The obsolete technique of instilling air into the perirenal space in order to visualize the adrenal gland better on radiographic studies.

tracheal gas insufflation

A ventilatory technique to reduce accumulated carbon dioxide in the central airways and improve alveolar ventilation while decreasing ventilatory pressures and tidal volumes. Gas may be injected either continuously or through a catheter into the airways during a specific phase of the respiratory cycle.

transtracheal insufflation

The introduction of oxygen into the trachea during mechanical ventilation in order to decrease dead space. This technique can use a continuous flow or flow solely during the expiratory phase. Caution should be used when a continuous flow is chosen because delivered tidal volumes can rise to dangerous levels. Adequate humidification must be maintained because high flows can dry out the respiratory mucosa.

transtracheal jet insufflation

The life-saving technique of ventilating a patient with a complete airway obstruction. A small catheter is placed via a cricothyroid puncture and attached to a pressure-controlled oxygen outlet via a one-way valve.

tubal insufflation

Test for patency of the fallopian tubes.
SEE: Rubin test