Our Summary
This research paper is about a study that compared two different tools used in lung surgeries where only one lung is used for breathing (one-lung ventilation). These tools are the left-sided double lumen tube and the EZ-Blocker.
The researchers looked at how long it took to place these devices, how often they moved out of place during the surgery, and asked the surgeons to rate how well they could collapse the lung. They also looked at how safe both devices were, including how often they caused injury to the airway or discomfort after they were removed.
The study found that the left-sided double lumen tube was quicker to place and less likely to move out of place during the surgery compared to the EZ-Blocker. The quality of lung collapse, as rated by the surgeons, was similar for both devices. Although the left-sided double lumen tube caused more sore throats after removal, both devices had similar rates of airway injury and hoarseness after removal.
Therefore, the study suggests that the left-sided double lumen tube might still be the better option for surgeries requiring one-lung ventilation.
FAQs
- What are the two tools compared in the study for one-lung ventilation surgeries?
- What parameters were considered when comparing the left-sided double lumen tube and the EZ-Blocker?
- What were the key findings of the study comparing the left-sided double lumen tube and the EZ-Blocker in lung surgeries?
Doctor’s Tip
A doctor might tell a patient undergoing thoracic surgery that using a left-sided double lumen tube for one-lung ventilation may result in quicker placement and less movement during the surgery compared to other devices. They may also mention that while the tube may cause more sore throats after removal, it has similar rates of airway injury and hoarseness compared to other options. It’s important for the patient to follow post-operative care instructions and communicate any discomfort or concerns to their healthcare team.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for thoracic surgery include those with lung cancer, esophageal cancer, pleural diseases, chest wall tumors, mediastinal tumors, and certain types of infections or trauma affecting the chest cavity. Patients with conditions such as emphysema, lung nodules, bronchiectasis, or recurrent pneumonia may also be recommended for thoracic surgery.
Thoracic surgery may be recommended for patients who have not responded well to other treatments such as medications, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. It may also be recommended for patients with certain risk factors or complications that make them better suited for surgery as opposed to other treatment options. Additionally, thoracic surgery may be recommended for patients who require procedures such as lung resection, lobectomy, pneumonectomy, or thymectomy.
Overall, thoracic surgery is typically recommended for patients with a variety of conditions affecting the chest cavity, lungs, or surrounding structures, where surgical intervention is deemed necessary for diagnosis, treatment, or management of the condition.
Timeline
Before thoracic surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of preoperative tests and evaluations to assess their overall health and suitability for the procedure. This may include blood tests, imaging scans, and pulmonary function tests. The patient will also meet with the surgical team to discuss the procedure, potential risks and benefits, and postoperative care.
On the day of the surgery, the patient will be prepped and brought to the operating room. Anesthesia will be administered, and the patient will be intubated with either a left-sided double lumen tube or an EZ-Blocker, depending on the surgeon’s preference. The placement of the device may take some time, and adjustments may need to be made to ensure proper positioning.
During the surgery, the patient will be monitored closely by the anesthesia team and surgical staff. The surgeon will perform the necessary procedure, such as lung resection or biopsy, using the appropriate tools and techniques. The patient will be kept comfortable and stable throughout the surgery.
After the surgery, the patient will be taken to the recovery room for monitoring. They may experience some pain, soreness, and difficulty breathing initially, but these symptoms can be managed with pain medication and respiratory therapy. The patient will gradually be weaned off of mechanical ventilation and encouraged to move and breathe deeply to prevent complications such as pneumonia or blood clots.
In the days following the surgery, the patient will continue to recover in the hospital under the care of the medical team. They will be monitored for signs of infection, bleeding, or other complications. Physical therapy and breathing exercises may be started to help the patient regain strength and lung function.
Overall, the patient’s recovery timeline will vary depending on the type of surgery performed, their overall health, and any complications that may arise. With proper care and follow-up, most patients are able to resume normal activities within a few weeks to months after thoracic surgery.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about thoracic surgery using one-lung ventilation devices such as the left-sided double lumen tube or the EZ-Blocker include:
- Which device will be used for my surgery and why?
- How long does it typically take to place the device?
- What are the risks and benefits associated with each device?
- How often does the device move out of place during surgery?
- How well can the device collapse the lung, according to the surgeon’s rating?
- What are the potential complications or side effects of using each device, such as airway injury or discomfort after removal?
- How will my post-operative care differ depending on which device is used?
- Are there any alternative devices or techniques that could be used for my surgery?
- What is the success rate of surgeries using each device?
- How experienced is the surgical team with using each device and performing one-lung ventilation surgeries?
Reference
Authors: Kumar N, Mitchell J, Siemens A, Deiparine S, Saddawi-Konefka D, Hussain N, Iyer MH, Essandoh M, Sawyer TR, Hao D. Journal: Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2023 Sep;27(3):171-180. doi: 10.1177/10892532231184781. Epub 2023 Jun 22. PMID: 37347963