Double Cuff, Single Lumen Endotracheal Tube for Easier Lung Isolation

Protects Non-Ventilated Lung from Aspiration and Readily Transitions to Ventilating Both Lungs

This endotracheal tube employs two cuffs that provide better isolation for single lung ventilation. Medical professionals use endotracheal tubes to conduct airway management within the trachea and lungs. Devices like bronchial blockers and double lumen endotracheal tubes can perform lung isolation, which is necessary for certain thoracic procedures. However, bronchial blockers can be dislodged, and double lumen tubes are larger and more difficult to insert, and they are not as well-suited for long-term mechanical ventilation. Improper placement can lead to airway trauma or bleeding, especially for smaller patients or those requiring prolonged intubation.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a double cuff, single lumen endotracheal tube that provides more flexible control over ventilation and better long-term lung isolation. Compared to available devices for lung isolation, this endotracheal tube is more cost-effective, less invasive, and easier to use.

Application

Endotracheal tube for lung isolation and single or double lung ventilation

Advantages

• Protects non-ventilated lung from aspiration, replacing standard endotracheal tubes and improving control over airway access
• Isolates lung using less airway pressure, providing better ventilation for patients undergoing longer procedures or needing long-term intubation
• Has smaller size than double lumen tubes, performing lung isolation more easily on smaller or pediatric patients

Technology

This single lumen endotracheal tube can isolate a lung and protect the non-ventilated lung using its double cuff feature; the two cuffs located at different points along the flexible tubular body prevent or allow air into a lung’s passageway. Repositioning the device by deflating both cuffs, retracting the tube into the trachea, then re-inflating the distal cuff enables ventilation of both lungs. The tube is easier to place in the trachea than the larger double lumen tubes common for lung isolation, and it is suitable for prolonged ventilation without a tube exchange. It also has a lower chance of causing an iatrogenic injury to the patient’s tracheobronchial tree. The auxiliary port can be used to deflate the lung or provide passive oxygenation to the operative-side lung, when the tube is positioned for single-lung ventilation; it also can be used for suctioning of secretions, when the tube is positioned for two-lung ventilation.