[Comparison of a new double-lumen endobronchial tube by Portex with Broncho-Cath]

We compared the clinical usefulness of two double-lumen endobronchial tubes, one furnished by Concord Portex and the other Broncho-Cath by Mallinckrodt. Only left-sided 37 french size tubes were used. The difficulty of intubation, the opening state of the bilateral lumen in a bronchus, the displacement of the tube in changing a position, and easiness of passing the fiberbronchoscope or suction tube were compared in using the two double lumen endobronchial tubes. All parameters were slightly better in the Portex tube than in the Broncho-Cath, but the differences were not significant. It is concluded that the Portex tube is as useful as the Broncho-Cath or it may be superior to the Broncho-Cath.