Extraluminal use of the Arndt pediatric endobronchial blocker in an infant: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
Attaining lung isolation in the infant undergoing thoracic anesthesia can be challenging for the anesthesiologist. We describe a novel approach to performing lung isolation in an infant undergoing thoracotomy for lobectomy using an Arndt pediatric endobronchial blocker via an extraluminal technique.


METHODS
Lung isolation in an infant was achieved through the use of an Arndt pediatric endobronchial blocker placed externally to an endotracheal tube. The blocker's placement was facilitated through the use of a pediatric fibreoptic brochoscope placed through the guidewire of the extraluminally placed bronchial blocker.


CONCLUSIONS
This novel technique may provide an easier and more reliable method of attaining single lung ventilation in infants and small children.
Bastien
John L
JL
Department of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, 620 John Paul Jones Circle, Portsmouth, VA 23708-2197, USA. jlbastien@msn.com
O'Brien
Joseph G
JG
Frantz
Frazier W
FW
D001980:Bronchi; D015615:Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of Lung, Congenital / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000295:instrumentation*