A Study of a Separated Bronchial Blocker

Yang, Mikyung; Kim, Gaab Soo; Sim, Woo Seog; Gwak, Mi Sook; Hahm, Tae Soo; Chung, Ik Soo

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Compared with blockers mounted on the endotracheal tube, (a conjugated blocker), studies about blockers that are independent of a single-lumen tube, (a separated blocker) are rare. This study's object was to find several characteristics about these new blockers.
METHODS
We compared the peak and plateau airway pressures in intubated patients (n = 30) with, (group EB) and without, (group E) blockers. We measured the depth of the blockers and the pressures of the balloon of the blockers. Balloon pressures were measured twice outside and inside of the E-tube with 7 ml of air. All of these measurements were done in the supine position with 1 L/min flow rate. The frequency of malposition, the score of the lung collapse, and bronchial mucosa change were checked thereafter.
RESULTS
The peak airway pressures of group EB were significantly higher than those of group E (p < 0.05). However, the plateau pressures of both groups were not different. The depth of the blockers was 52.0 +/- 1.8 cm, and the balloon pressures of the blockers were 124 +/- 22 and 139 +/- 20 mmHg, respectively. Six patients needed additional bronchoscopy because of malposition. The lung collapse score was good in 17 patients, fair in 10 patients, and poor in 3 patients. There was not any severe bronchial mucosa damage.
CONCLUSIONS
Understanding the characteristics of these new blockers, we can consider the use of them in some situations in which the use of a double-lumen tube is impossible or inconvenient.