title: Lung isolation techniques.
abstract: Left-sided double-lumen endotracheal tubes should be the tube of choice for most cases in which lung isolation is required. A right-sided double-lumen endotracheal tube can be used effectively when a contraindication to placing a left-sided double-lumen endotracheal tube exists. The method of choice to select left-sided double-lumen endotracheal tubes is based on chest radiograph or CT scan measurements of the trachea or bronchus. Based on clinical reports, Univents or WEB blockers may be a better choice for patients with difficult airways who require one-lung ventilation or for when a selective lobar blockade is needed. For all selective intubation, the method of choice for proper tube placement and bronchial blockade is fiberoptic bronchoscopy with the patient in a supine position at first or in a lateral decubitus position later, or if a malposition occurs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, College of Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. javier-campos@uiowa.edu
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Campos
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013903:Thoracic Surgery