Saturday June 16, 2007
Changing double lumen endotracheal tube (ETT) to single lumen

Q; You have been asked to change double lumen endotracheal tube (DLT) on a patient after thoracic surgery. Due to excessive tapping, you cannot read anything but see 2 lumens - white and blue. Which lumen you will use to pass change over catheter ?

A; White color (Tracheal)

Double lumen endobronchial tubes are usually used in thoracic surgery. Double lumen tubes have 2 cuffed lumens

1. Endobronchial (usually blue) and
2. Tracheal (usually white)

DLT is less stable than single lumen ETT. DLT is of wide diameter and meant to be changed immediately post-operatively unless severe laryngeal edema prevents it. Tracheal port should be used to change the DLT to single lumen ETT over wire/catheter.