Bronchoscopy findings and early treatment of patients with blunt tracheo-bronchial trauma.

Five of 238 patients who suffered blunt chest trauna required surgery to repair a tracheobronchial injury. All patients were injured in a motor vehicle accident. The site of the injury was within 2.5 cm of the carina in four patients and 5.5 cm proximal to the carina in one. Pre-, intra-, and post-operative respiratory management was facilitated by the insertion of a Univent tube, an endotracheal tube with movable blocker capable of excluding one lung. The Univent tube prevented aspiration of blood by the healthy lung and the development of acute respiratory failure. Improved control over ventilation has the secondary benefit of allowing the surgeon to assess other injuries under less duress in patients with multiple trauma.