Comparison of two different right-sided double-lumen tubes with different designs

Aim: To compare usage of 2 right-sided double-lumen tubes (RDLTs) with different designs in thoracic anesthesia. Although the left-sided double-lumen tube (DLT) is preferred, the RDLT is necessary in some circumstances. Materials and methods: A total of 40 patients undergoing left thoracotomy were divided into 2 groups receiving a Rüsch or Sheridan RDLT. The position of the RDLT was verified by clinical evaluation. It was also checked by fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB). When malposition was detected, it was corrected using the FOB. The correct installation time of the RDLT, frequency of bronchoscopy, and left lung collapse time were recorded. Results: According to the bronchoscopic assessment, the rates of patients with a misplaced RDLT in the supine (40% vs. 50%) and lateral decubitis position (35% vs. 30%) were similar between the groups (P 0.05). Ratios of total malpositions to total bronchoscopies were similar. The most frequent malposition types were displacement of RDLTs proximally or distally. Correct RDLT installation time (262 vs. 291 s) and collapse time of the left lung (215 vs. 234 s) were comparable between the groups (P 0.05). Conclusion: With the aid of bronchoscopic evaluation, our data suggest that Rüsch and Sheridan RDLTs are not superior to each other in one-lung ventilation. They were similar in terms of malpositions.