Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 1999
Predicting the size of a double-lumen endobronchial tube using computed tomographic scan measurements of the left main bronchus diameter.
We investigated the use of chest computer tomographic (CT) scan measurement of the left mainstem bronchial diameter to predict the correct left-sided double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) size in Asian patients who may require smaller DLT sizes. Fifty consecutive Asian adults aged 17-80 yr with preoperative chest CT scans undergoing elective thoracic surgery were entered into the study. The measurements of the left main bronchus diameter were made by using the electronic calipers of the spiral scanner to the nearest millimeter. The sizes of DLT selected were 32F, 35F, 37F, 39F, and 41F for left main bronchus diameters of <10 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, and >12 mm, respectively. All DLT placements were confirmed and positioned by using fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The tracheas of all patients were successfully intubated with the predicted DLT sizes. Thirty-four patients (68%) were predicted to require smaller DLTs (37F or smaller). Six patients were correctly predicted to receive 32F DLTs. Twelve patients (24%) received an oversized DLT, but none received an undersized DLT. The overall positive predictive value for the male and female patients was 84.4% and 61.1%, respectively. Our study showed that CT scan measurements of the diameter of the left bronchus were especially useful in choosing smaller DLTs. ⋯ We used computer tomographic scans to measure the diameter of the left mainstem bronchus, then selected the size of the left-sided double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) accordingly. We found that we could predict the sizes of the DLT fairly accurately, especially the smaller DLTs.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 1999
Endobronchial intubation causes an immediate increase in peak inflation pressure in pediatric patients.
Our purpose was to determine whether endobronchial intubation always causes an immediate increase in peak inflation pressure and, if so, the magnitude of the increase. Fourteen children scheduled for central line placement for prolonged antibiotic administration comprised the study group. After routine premedication and induction of anesthesia (halothane in oxygen), an endotracheal tube was inserted, and its position was verified by auscultation and fluoroscopy. Children were mechanically ventilated using a preset volume pressure-limited ventilator with a 5-L fresh gas flow. All children received a constant tidal volume using a similar circuit, similar tubing, and a similar compression volume. The lowest peak inflation pressure to deliver a tidal volume of 15 mL/kg was used. After adjusting the respiratory rate (end-tidal CO2 30 mm Hg) and anesthetic level (halothane end-tidal 1.2%), the peak inflation pressure at this endotracheal position was recorded. The endotracheal tube was advanced into a bronchus, the position was verified as above, and peak inflation pressure was recorded. The endobronchial tube was then pulled back into the trachea, and placement of the central line proceeded. The peak inflation pressure at the endobronchial position was significantly greater than the peak inflation pressure at the endotracheal position (P < 0.0001). The increase was instantaneous at the endobronchial position. Monitoring peak inflation pressure while inserting an endotracheal tube and during anesthesia can help to diagnose endobronchial intubation. ⋯ Monitoring peak inflation pressure while inserting an endotracheal tube and during anesthesia can help to diagnose endobronchial intubation.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Feb 1999
Comment Letter Comparative StudyOndansetron versus droperidol for postoperative nausea and vomiting.