Lung Isolation Procedures

Abstract

Lung isolation is used for many thoracic surgeries to provide exclusive ventilation of the nonoperative lung. This allows for the operative lung to be desufflated, improving surgical conditions and exposure. Additionally, in severe cases of unilateral lung infection or bleeding, ventilation of only the healthy lung can decrease the risk for contamination with blood and infected material from the diseased lung. Techniques used for achieving lung isolation include bronchial blocker placement, mainstem intubation, and use of a double-lumen tube. Although provider comfort and surgical preference often influence choice of technique, patient size and quality of lung isolation required are also guiding factors.