Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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In the last few years, video assisted thoracoscopy, which allows a wide variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, has been introduced into clinical practice. A growing enthusiasm for minimally invasive surgical approaches and improvements in video endoscopic surgical equipment has resulted in the widespread use of this technique. Most video assisted thoracoscopy procedures require a well-collapsed lung and should only be included in the absolute indication for one-lung ventilation. ⋯ Finally, there are alternatives to the use of the double-lumen tube to achieve lung separation, such as the Univent tube or an independent bronchial blocker. In many situations the double-lumen tube cannot be inserted, due to a difficult airway or at the conclusion of the procedure changing the double lumen tube to a single lumen tube may result in loss of control over the airway. In such situations, it is essential for the anesthesiologists to be familiar with the existing alternatives to the double-lumen tube.
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Mechanical ventilation is a life-supporting process employed in the management of respiratory failure. Over the years, our understanding of the pathophysiology of lung injury has greatly improved, and has aided the technological development of ventilatory modes that are more patient 'sensitive' and less traumatizing to the lungs. This review will discuss the fundamental modes of mechanical ventilation, and present current concepts regarding patient-ventilator interaction that either promote lung healing and weaning from positive pressure ventilation or delay recovery because of the injudicious use of ventilatory modalities that are incapable of meeting the ventilatory demands of the patient on a breath-by-breath basis. In addition, the current strategy for mechanical ventilation in acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome will be summarized.