Abstract
Abstract In 24 patients with nasotracheal, orotracheal and tracheostomy tubes in place, a scintigraphic technic was used to monitor attempts to cannulate selectively the right and left main-stem bronchi by suction catheters. Regardless of catheter type and patient positioning, the left main-stem bronchus was more difficult to enter (46 per cent success rate) than the right (75 per cent success). Angle-tipped suction catheters were more successful than straight catheters In cannulating both right and left mainstem bronchi. Catheters packed in straight, rather than coiled, configurations were more successful In achieving left-main-stem bronchus cannulation. The left main-stem bronchus was particularly difficult to enter through nasotracheal tubes. Turning the head to the right improved the success of left-main-stem-bronchus catheterization. Turning the head to the left or shoulder positioning did not assist in selective bronchial cannulation. (N Engl J Med 289:1060–1063, 1973)
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