Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Feb 1993
ReviewCon: the Univent tube is not the best method of providing one-lung ventilation.
The Univent tube is a new form of bronchial blocker and is an addition to the armamentarium of the anesthesiologist for managing thoracic surgical cases. As with any new equipment/technique it will require time until the exact indications for its use become clear. The preference of anesthesiologists has oscillated between bronchial blockers and DLTs for the past 50 years, and no overall "best" method of providing OLV has yet been found. Anesthesiologists will continue to use, and to need to know how to use, DLTs for the foreseeable future.
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Feb 1993
ReviewPro: one-lung ventilation is best accomplished with the Univent endotracheal tube.
Over the years, thoracotomy has changed from a procedure that prompted major concern over cross-contamination caused by infection to pulmonary tumors. Assisting the thoracic surgeon by providing OLV is one of the most specialized skills an anesthesiologist can offer. This must be done in a safe, easy, and efficient manner. ⋯ Double-lumen tubes have performed well in the past and will continue to offer specialized functions, such as postoperative independent lung ventilation in single-lung transplant recipients. As with the acquisition of any new medical skill, the use of the Univent tube has a learning curve. It is worth the time and effort to learn to use the Univent tube.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)