Current techniques for perioperative lung isolation in adults

Abstract

Lung isolation techniques are used to provide one-lung ventilation in patients undergoing thoracic, mediastinal, vascular, esophageal, or nonthoracic surgical procedures. This review discusses current technology with left- or right-sided double-lumen tubes and bronchial blockers (Fogarty catheters, Univent® bronchial blockers, and wire-guided endobronchial blockers), with an emphasis on placement and confirmation of optimal position with the fiberoptic bronchoscope.