Prediction of the Size of Double Lumen Endotracheal Intubation by Measuring the Diameter of the Trachea

Abstract

Objective: To find the faster and easier way than the existing intubating technique for double-lumen tube. We prediction of required double lumen tube size by measure the X-ray trachea diameter size before surgery. Methods: Randomly selected 100 cases of single lung ventilation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Measurement of tracheal diameter at the level of clavicle in X-ray. Choose the double-lumen size according to the measurement of tracheal diameter in X-ray. If the tracheal diameter greater than 16 mm, choose a 39 Fr double lumen tube, if the trachea diameter between 15-16 mm, used 37 Fr double lumen tube, with less than 15 mm, used 35 Fr double lumen tube. Record the number of intubation and whether there is difficulty for double lumen tube through the glottis. Results: All patients' double lumen were selected according for the measurement of the diameter of the trachea, all successful intubation and accurate localization of bronchus. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the diameter of trachea with age, body weight and height, and the diameter of the female trachea was significantly narrower than that of the male. For vast majority of male Chinese, 39 Fr double lumen tube is suitable, and the height and weight is of small relation, female patients with large differences in the airway diameter, height, weight, gender cannot be the basis for the choice of double lumen tube.