Tracheobronchial tree dimensions in Indian adults in the context of lung isolation techniques: An observational study

Lung isolation and one lung ventilation are used to facilitate surgery on the lungs, thoracic, aorta, and thoracic spine, oesophagus, and during minimally invasive cardiac surgery. it is used to prevent contamination of the healthy lung by blood or infected material.

Lung isolation is achieved with a double-lumen tracheal tube, a bronchial blocker, or, in an emergency, by advancing a single-lumen tracheal tube into the main bronchus.

Appropriate dimensions of these devices are essential for adequate lung ventilation without complications. The conventional recommendation is to insert the largest possible dlt, taking into account the patient’s height and gender. However, the dimensions of currently available commercial devices are based on Western anatomy. Indians differ in stature from other ethnic groups. This often leads to problems in lung isolation with minimal trauma.

We hope to fill the lacunae by using multiple-detector computed tomography of chest measurements in Indian adults to select the appropriate size of the currently available lung isolation devices.