This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Hannallah, M. S. Articles by Benumof, J. L. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Hannallah, M. S. Articles by Benumof, J. L.

Comparison of Two Techniques to Inflate the Bronchial Cuff of the Univent Tube

Department of Anesthesia, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C., and Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, California

Abstract

The Univent tube is an endotracheal tube with a movable bronchial blocker. The blocker cuff reportedly exhibits high-pressure characteristics when inflated to seal any adult bronchus. This study was aimed at measuring the cuff volume that would seal the bronchus when two different techniques of cuff inflation were used. One technique is based on creating negative pressure and the other is based on creating positive pressure within the breathing system. In addition, we directly measured the compliance characteristics of the cuff. The study was performed in eight adult patients undergoing thoracotomy. The negative pressure technique of cuff inflation (NPT) was tested by applying –150 mm Hg of pressure to the blocker lumen, causing loss of volume in the breathing system as evidenced by deflation of the reservoir bag. The blocker cuff was then inflated until the bag ceased to deflate. In the positive pressure technique of cuff inflation (PPT), the blocker lumen was connected to a beaker of water while maintaining pressure of +30 mm Hg within the breathing system. The bronchial cuff was then inflated until air bubbles ceased to appear in the beaker. Direct measurement of compliance of the blocker cuff confirmed its high-pressure characteristics. Bronchial sealing volume ranged from 3 to 5 mL when measured with the NPT and from 4 to 6 mL when measured with the PPT. In most cases, the NPT could provide satisfactory lung collapse with equal or smaller cuff volume than that measured with the PPT, but the smaller cuff volume was associated with only a relatively small reduction in cuff pressure. The PPT provided more reliable bronchial seal against a known airway pressure. It should therefore provide better lung protection in the presence of bleeding or infection.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J. H. Campos An Update on Bronchial Blockers During Lung Separation Techniques in Adults Anesth. Analg., November 1, 2003; 97(5): 1266 - 1274. [Full Text] [PDF]