• Toru Iizuka, Naohito Shimoyama, Luigi Fuggiano, and Atsuko Notoya.
• Department of Anesthesia, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045.
• Masui. 2010 Dec 1;59(12):1548-51.

BackgroundOne-lung ventilation and lung isolation are frequently required in thoracic surgery. In clinical practice, lung isolation is achieved by use of a double-lumen endotracheal tube and a bronchial blocker. A novel bagel shaped bronchial blocker, the Fuggiano's bronchial blocker, has been designed to prevent displacement of the blocker from its position in the bronchus. In this study, we evaluated the clinical performance of the Fuggiano's bronchial blocker for the lung isolation.MethodsIn thirty patients undergoing thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, the Fuggiano's bronchial blockers were placed to the bronchus. Fifteen patients received a left-sided bronchial block, and fifteen a right-sided block. The position of the devices was checked using fibreoptic bronchoscope.ResultsIn all cases, successful lung isolation and the properly collapsed lung were achieved. It took significantly longer time to place a right bronchial block. Intraoperative repositioning of the device was not required. The quality of lung deflation was judged excellent in all patients.ConclusionsWe conclude that, for routine use, the Fuggiano's bronchial blocker is preferable to achieve a lung isolation because of its facility in placement and a better quality of lung deflation. Fuggiano's bronchial blocker may be an alternative airway device for one-lung ventilation, and further work is required.

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