Predicting the Depth of Insertion of Left-sided Double-Lumen Endotrachial Tubes in Koreans

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Proper positioning of a double-lumen endobronchial tube is very important for lung isolation. This is best achieved by using a fiberoptic bronchoscope. Yet it is also important to predict the proper length when performing bronchoscopy is not possibe. In a previous report, the ideal depth of insertion of the left-sided double lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) was significantly correlated with the patient's height and the clavicular-to-carinal distance of the trachea. The aim of our study is to see whether that result can be applied to Koreans or not. METHODS: Forty eight patients who undergoing one lung ventilation (OLV) were intubated with a left-sided DLT. After proper positioning was achieved by bronchoscopy, we measured the depth of the tube at the upper incisor. Multiple linear regression analysis was done to determine the correlation of the depth of insertion with other factors. RESULTS: In Koreans, the depth of insertion was 9.216 + 0.104 x height + 1.797 x gender (male = 1, female = 0, R = 0.912, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In Koreans, the depth of insertion was only correlated with the gender and height of the patient, but not with the clavicle-to-carinal distance.