New technique for one-lung anesthesia using an endobronchial blocker.

A method for one-lung anesthesia has been developed in which an 8-14 Fogarty occlusion catheter is used to produce endobronchial blockade. The method is quick, simple, and reliable. It eliminates most of the problems which occur with the standard technique of using a double-lumen cuffed endotracheal tube. No significant problems have been encountered in over 200 thoracotomies. The method used is so simple and effective that I also employ it for pleuroscopy and anterior mediastinotomy.