The Cohen flexitip endobronchial blocker: an alternative to a double lumen tube.

Abstract

One-lung ventilation (OLV) is usually achieved by the use of a double-lumen tubes (DLTs). With increasing need for use of OLV for video-assisted thoracoscopic procedures, the limitations of traditional DLT's, including difficult insertion and positioning, have become evident. This has led to renewed interest in devising alternative methods of achieving lung separation, such as the Univent tube or Arndt endobronchial blocker. This report describes the technical features and clinical use of a new tip-deflecting endobronchial blocker.