title: Estimation of the depth of left-sided double-lumen endobronchial tube placement using preoperative chest radiographs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Accurate placement of the double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLETs) is essential for optimal gas exchange during one-lung ventilation. The present study was designed to estimate the insertion depth of left-sided DLET using a preoperative chest radiograph.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-five patients who underwent thoracic operations requiring intubation of a DLET were studied. The distance between the cephalic edge of the sixth cervical vertebra and the carina of the trachea (Dc-c) was measured from the anterior-posterior view of preoperative chest radiograph. After the tube was positioned in the main bronchus, a fiberoptic bronchoscope was introduced into the tracheal lumen to ensure the appropriate position of the DLET. Simple regression analysis for the insertion depth of the DLETs and Dc-c was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a highly significant correlation between the insertion depth of the DLET and both the Dc-c (y = 0.5304x + 19.646) and the body height (y = 0.1022x + 10.525), with P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To get the distance from the cephalic edge of the 6th cervical vertebra to the Dc-c from the chest radiograph preoperatively would be helpful for the evaluation of the proper insertion depth of the placement of DLET.
authors: Department of Anesthesiology, National Cheng Kung University Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C.
authors: Pei-Jung
authors: PJ
authors: Chang
authors: Yen-Hei
authors: YH
authors: Sung
authors: Li-Kai
authors: LK
authors: Wang
authors: Yu-Chuan
authors: YC
authors: Tsai
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic