Techniques for Single Lung Ventilation in Infants and Children

There have been parallel advancements in pediatric airway equipment, including the development of pediatric sized bronchial blockers, Univent tubes, and double lumen tubes, providing the ability to isolate the lung in pediatric patients as small as full term neonates. Despite this widespread ability, there remain significant regional differences in the use of lung isolation techniques, some centers utilize lung isolation for most thoracic procedures, while other centers rarely isolate the lung in infants and children. Although both open and minimally invasive thoracic surgical techniques can be successfully completed without lung isolation, the ability to deflate the ipsilateral lung provides improved surgical conditions and optimal visualization of thoracic structures. An understanding of the different techniques for lung isolation in pediatric patients is important for any anesthetist taking care of this patient population. 23 OCT 2015