High-fidelity simulation of lung isolation with double-lumen endotracheal tubes and bronchial blockers in anesthesiology resident training.
OBJECTIVE
Demonstrate the feasibility of using the AirSim Bronchi airway simulator to teach residents how to manage lung isolation with double-lumen endotracheal tubes and bronchial blockers and evaluate their performance with a detailed checklist.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
University anesthesiology residency training program.


METHODS
Anesthesiology residents taking a cardiothoracic anesthesiology rotation.


METHODS
Residents were instructed in 7 tasks using the AirSim Bronchi: The use of the fiberoptic bronchoscope, methods for placing left and right double-lumen endotracheal tubes and 3 bronchial blockers (Univent, Arndt, and Cohen), and application of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to the unventilated lung. Two to 3 weeks later, checklists and a detailed scoring system were used to assess performance. Residents rated the curriculum and their own confidence in performing the tasks using a 5-point Likert scale.


RESULTS
Thirteen residents completed the curriculum. Their median Likert scale ratings of the curriculum based on a questionnaire with 6 items ranged from 4 to 5 of 5. Resident confidence scores for each lung isolation technique improved after the simulation training, with the median gain ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 Likert levels depending on the task. The largest improvement occurred with the bronchial blockers (p<0.05). The median performance score for the 7 tasks combined was 88% of the maximum possible points.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors used the AirSim Bronchi simulator in a novel simulation curriculum to teach lung-isolation techniques to anesthesiology residents and evaluated performance using a detailed checklist scoring system. This curriculum is a promising educational tool.
University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle WA.
Erin
E
Failor
University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle WA. Electronic address: bowdle@u.washington.edu.
Andrew
A
Bowdle
University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle WA.
Srdjan
S
Jelacic
University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle WA.
Kei
K
Togashi
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education*; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods*; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods*
airway management; continuous positive airway pressure; double-lumen endobroncial tube; intratracheal; intubation; residency training program; simulation; single-lung ventilation