Independent lung ventilation in the management of pneumothorax
Year: 2015
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Independent lung ventilation (ILV) with double lumen endotracheal tube (DLT) or endobroncial blockade has a known role in managing pneumothorax or by isolating the diseased lung. We report a case in which ILV was used along with a bronchial blocker for treatment of severe persistent pneumothorax (PTX). Case Report: We report a 66-year-old woman admitted with septic shock and respiratory failure from right lobar pneumonia who developed a right-sided pneumothorax. Despite placement of two chest tubes, the patient had persistent acidosis and air leak. She required independent lung ventilation with a double lumen endotracheal tube as well as a bronchial blocker. This isolated the right lower lobe airleak and provided lung protective concordant positive pressure ventilation to the right middle and upper lobes. Conclusion: Persistent air leaks in an intubated patient can be challenging. Our case highlights the concept of anatomical lung separation. With this clinicians can to allow provide isolation of the diseased lung, while using other subsegments to maintain adequate gas exchange.
Authors: Muna Beg, Vincent Liu
Institution: Kaiser Permanente
Language: English
Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W1492322458