Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026

Robotic-assisted Left Pneumonectomy For Vanishing Lung Syndrome
Published on: January 23, 2026
Alternative methods of lung isolation in cases of pediatric bilateral thoracoscopic surgery
Mark Wigginton1, Laura Lehrian2
1Anaesthetic Department, Leeds Children's Hospital, Leeds, UK.
Insights
This study compares two pediatric airway management techniques for congenital central hypoventilation syndrome surgery. Novel endobronchial intubation via tracheostomy proved effective in one case.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) presents unique airway management challenges.
- Bilateral thoracoscopic phrenic nerve stimulator implantation requires precise lung isolation.
- Pediatric airway management strategies must be tailored to specific patient conditions.
Observation:
- Two pediatric CCHS patients underwent bilateral thoracoscopic phrenic nerve stimulator surgery.
- Case 1 utilized a bronchial blocker with an endotracheal tube for lung isolation.
- Case 2 employed a novel endobronchial intubation technique via tracheostomy.
Findings:
- Both lung isolation methods were successfully implemented.
- The endobronchial intubation technique via tracheostomy is a previously undescribed method in pediatric CCHS patients.
- Successful airway management was achieved in both cases, enabling the surgical procedure.
Implications:
- This study highlights adaptable airway management strategies for CCHS patients.
- The novel endobronchial intubation technique offers an alternative for complex pediatric airway scenarios.
- Further research into specialized pediatric airway techniques is warranted.
Abstract:
We compare airway management and lung isolation methods in two pediatric cases of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome undergoing bilateral throacoscopic phrenic-nerve-stimulator surgery. One child received lung isolation using a 7Fr bronchial blocker in conjunction with a 6.0 cuffed endotracheal tube; and the second received a technique of endobronchial intubation using a 3.5 microcuffed tube via the tracheostomy stoma in conjunction with 5.0 cuffed endotracheal intubation; a technique previously undescribed in pediatric patients.

