Double Lumen Endotracheal Tube for Percutaneous Tracheostomy

Double Lumen Endotracheal Tube for Percutaneous Tracheostomy?

“…We read with great interest the article by Vargas et al 1 on their in vitro study of the flow resistance of a double lumen endotracheal tube (DLET) suggested as an alternative to a standard orotracheal tube for ventilation during percutaneous tracheostomy. However, we feel some aspects deserve further comments.…”

“…1 The title of our paper introduces for the first time the DLET and its potential use during percutaneous tracheostomy. We specified in the abstract and text that this article was an in vitro evaluation of the DLET.…”

A Novel, Adaptable Laryngeal Mask to Facilitate a Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy

“…Previous studies have also shown improved ventilation parameters when the bronchoscope is removed from the ETT. 25,28 …”

Are New Devices for Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy Really Needed? Yes

“…We believe that the DLET is easier to use than the EZT, at least in select patients. 6 Our recent papers are the first in vitro 5 and in vivo 6 studies of the use of the DLET during PDT.…”

“…3,4 The aim of a double lumen endotracheal tube (DLET) is to minimize impairment of ventilation and gas exchange during PDT. 5,6 Ultrasound neck evaluation is increasingly used as a screening tool before PDT to assess at-risk anatomical structure and to prevent puncture of vessels and bleeding. 1 However, although ultrasound-guided PDT has been recently proposed, current data do not suggest that ultrasound should replace bronchoscopy.…”