1. Schematic diagram portraying the use of the fiberoptic bronchoscope to insert a left-sided double-lumen tube. A. The double-lumen tube can be put into the trachea in a conventional manner, and both lungs can be ventilated by both lumens. The fiberoptic bronchoscope may be inserted into the left lumen of the double-lumen tube through a self-sealing diaphragm in the elbow connector to the left lumen; this allows continued positive pressure ventilation of both lungs through the right lumen without creating a leak. After the fiberoptic bronchoscope has been passed into the left mainstem bronchus (B), it is used as a stylet for the after-coming left lumen (C). The fiberoptic bronchoscope is then withdrawn. Final precise positioning of the double-lumen tube is performed with the fiberoptic bronchoscope in the right lumen. [From Benumof JL. Separation of the two lungs (double-lumen tube and bronchial blocker intubation). In: Benumof JL, ed. Anesthesia for Thoracic Surgery. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 1995.]
Source: Section E. Specialty Areas of Anesthetic Practice, Anesthesiology, 2e
Citation: Longnecker DE, Brown DL, Newman MF, Zapol WM. Anesthesiology, 2e; 2012 Available at: Accessed: October 30, 2017
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