Selective left bronchial intubation and left-lung isolation in infants and toddlers: analysis of a new technique

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare a new technique for left bronchial intubation and left-lung isolation in infants and toddlers without the help of bronchoscopes.

In this prospective, unique comparative study, 3 different techniques for left mainstem bronchus intubation and left-lung isolation using a Fogarty catheter as a bronchial blocker were conducted in 11 children under age 4 who required left-lung isolation for left-lung surgery. A new technique for Fogarty catheter insertion and balloon inflation for proper positioning and avoiding displacement during lung handling was used. The first technique was a blind introduction to the left bronchus of the endotracheal tube (ETT) with the head turned to the right and the tube turned to the left at 180 degrees . The second one was to introduce the preshaped Fogarty catheter to the left bronchus. The third one was to intubate the left bronchus using the new technique of a preshaped ETT.

No left bronchial intubation could be achieved with the first technique. Left bronchial intubation and isolation were achieved in 2 of 11 by the second technique and 10 of 11 using the third technique. No bulb displacement occurred in any of these during lung handling.

The new technique of left bronchial intubation with a preshaped endotracheal tube was simple, safe, and easily accomplished. A Fogarty catheter can be positioned properly without the aid of a smaller bronchoscope once the left bronchus is intubated. Balloon displacement can be avoided completely if the left lung is collapsed properly and completely before the final balloon inflation.