Oberhofer D, Majerić-Kogler V
Zavod za anesteziju, Opća bolnica Sveti Duh, Zagreb.
Lijec Vjesn. 1999 Nov-Dec;121(11-12):345-51.
The aims of the study were to compare prospectively two double-lumen endobronchial tubes (DLTs): red rubber Carlens and left polyvinylchloride Robertshaw DLT with regard to difficulties in intubation and complications during one-lung ventilation. Sixty-two adult patients were randomly intubated with Carlens tube (31 patients) or Robertshaw tube (31 patients). Correct placement of DLTs was assessed using clinical signs and in some patients in the Robertshaw group fiberoptic bronchoscope was used. In the group intubated with the Carlens tube there were significantly more difficulties in passing the tube through the larynx (4 out of 31 patients), compared with the Robertshaw group (not a single patient). There was no difference in the number of patients with difficulties in placing the tube in the left main bronchus; however, the nature of the problem was more complex with the Carlens tube. The frequency of all the complications as well as the occurrence of the most common complications--hypoxemia and increased peak airway pressure, was not different between the groups. In both groups hypoxemia was related to the right side of the operation. Fiberoptic bronchoscope was used in 18 out of 31 patients intubated with the Robertshaw tube. Its use was not correlated with decreased incidence of complications compared to intubation in which tube position was assessed by clinical signs only.
