Abstract
Objective: The double-lumen fibreoptic tube Vivasight ETView? is a new tool that allows lung isolation without the use of a fibrescope. The aim of the study was to evaluate the success and complication rates of its insertion in thoracic surgery procedures.
Design: Prospective observational study (clinical audit). Settings: Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital.
Material and methods: We evaluated the success rate, speed of insertion, incidence of malposition and other complications associated with the insertion of a fibreoptic double-lumen tube in 65 patients scheduled for thoracic surgery requiring separation of the lungs. Results: The tube was successfully inserted in 64 of 65 patients (98.5%).
One patient (1.5%) experienced tube dislocation requiring subsequent repositioning using a flexible bronchoscope. The average speed of insertion was 23.4 (? 4.67) seconds.
We did not observe any significant differences in the insertion success rates between experienced anaesthesiologists and trainees. Conclusion: The double-lumen Vivasight ETView? fibreoptic cannula is a good tool for the separation of the lungs in thoracic anaesthesia.
It is also suitable for educational purposes.