Korean J Anesthesiol.  1998 Sep;35(3):488-491. 10.4097/kjae.1998.35.3.488.

Prediction of Depth of Left-sided Double Lumen Tube Insertion Using Preoperative Chest X-ray

• Lee KH
• Lim HK
• Yoon KB
• Lee KM
• Kwon HU

• KMID: 2240136
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.1998.35.3.488

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Accurate placement of double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) is essential for optimal gas exchange and collapse of nondependent lung during one-lung anesthesia. The goal of this study was to determine if measurement of tracheal length from the preoperative chest X-ray can be used for the prediction of adequate length of left-sided DLT insertion.
METHODS
25 patients scheduled for elective thoracotomy under one-lung anesthesia were studied. After measurement of tracheal length from preoperative chest X-ray and of length from incisor to vocal cord during intubation, the patient was intubated with left-sided DLT to the depth of predetermined length from incisor to carina. The tube position was evaluated with fiberoptic bronchocsope.
RESULTS
In 22 patients (88%) the DLTs were positioned satisfactorily, and in three patients it was required to reposition DLT.
CONCLUSIONS
This technique may be useful for accurate placement of DLT for the one-lung anesthesia.

Keyword

Anatomy: trachea; Equipment: double-lumen endobronchial tube; Intubation, tracheal: technique; Ventilation: one-lung

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia
Humans
Incisor
Intubation
Lung
Thoracotomy
Thorax*
Vocal Cords