Double-lumen Tube Research Articles

Evaluating the precision of ultrasound versus computed tomography-guided measurement of cricoid cartilage diameter for double-lumen tube selection in thoracic surgery: A randomised comparative study.

Precise airway management is vital in thoracic surgeries to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. Choosing the correct double-lumen tube (DLT) size is challenging, as it typically relies on height, gender and subjective experience. This study investigates using ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) to measure cricoid cartilage diameter for objective DLT sizing. In a randomised study, 120 adult patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery were randomised to three groups: Group A (DLT size determined by USG), Group B (DLT size determined by CT) and Group C (DLT size determined by conventional methods based on height and gender). The primary outcome variable was the appropriateness of DLT size. Secondary outcome variables were the degree of lung collapse and sore throat. Student's t-test and ꭓ2 test were used to analyse continuous and dichotomous variables, respectively. DLT sizing based on cricoid cartilage diameter improved the accuracy, with inappropriate sizes found in 25% in the conventional group, 5% in the USG group and 2.5% in the CT group (P < 0.05). Lung collapse was better in the USG (excellent in 92.5%) and CT (95%) groups compared to the conventional group (70%) (P < 0.05). Moderate sore throat was higher in the conventional group (37.5%) compared to the USG (5%) and CT groups (7.5%). The study demonstrates that USG- and CT-guided measurements of cricoid cartilage diameter are reliable and effective methods for determining DLT size in thoracic surgery compared to conventional methods.

Efficacy of Double-Lumen Biliary-Enteric Tube in Enteral Nutrition for Patients with Malignant Obstructive Jaundice

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a double-lumen biliary-enteric tube (DBET) for enteral nutrition (EN) in individuals with malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ). Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a prospectively maintained single-center database, including patients with MOJ. In the intervention group, DBET placement was performed concurrently with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage and biliary stenting, followed by postoperative EN (DBET-EN). In the control group, deep vein catheterization was undertaken after endoscopic biliary stenting, and parenteral nutrition (PN) was provided. A multivariable generalized linear model was used to assess the association between DBET-EN and 6-month mortality. Results A total of 74 patients were included in this study, comprising 28 patients in the intervention group (DBET-EN group) and 46 patients in the control group (PN group). Within the 6-month follow-up, 5 patients (17.9%) in the DBET-EN group and 20 (43.5%) in the PN group died. The multivariable generalized linear model demonstrated a significantly reduced 6-month mortality in the DBET-EN group compared to the PN group (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08–0.81, P = 0.020). Secondary outcomes indicated that patients in the DBET-EN group had lower 9-month mortality rates and longer tube retention durations compared to the PN group (all adjusted P < 0.05). Postoperative liver function improved similarly in both groups. At 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively, patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) scores and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) scores were significantly higher in the DBET-EN group than in the PN group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The implementation of DBET for EN in patients in the advanced stage of MOJ proved to be a minimally invasive and safe intervention. It significantly improved patients’ nutritional status and quality of life while reducing mortality.

Emergency Operable Traumatic Pulmonary Injury at a Level 1 Trauma Center: A Retrospective Descriptive Study

ABSTRACT Introduction Despite the use of body armor, emergency operable pulmonary trauma (EOPT) remains a major cause of battlefield morbidity and mortality. While EOPT during military conflicts has some features that distinguish it from EOPT in civilian settings, the 2 occurrences demonstrate overall parallel findings related to presentation, management, and outcome. The goals of the present study were to provide a descriptive analysis of the nature of EOPT and its management at a level 1 trauma center and to determine the associations between EOPT patient demographics and/or patient management and outcome in order to better understand battlefield EOPT. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective, descriptive analysis of EOPT at a level 1 trauma center during a recent 9-year period (2012–2020). The Oregon Health &amp; Science University Trauma Registry was searched, and 106 patients met inclusion criteria for the study. Patients with primary cardiac trauma were excluded. Individual electronic medical records were reviewed to obtain descriptive data, and associations were evaluated for statistical significance. Results In-hospital mortality in this cohort was 17.0%. The most common pulmonary injury associated with EOPT was unilateral diaphragmatic laceration (62.3%), and the most common single operation performed for EOPT was a laparotomy (71.7%) often involving diaphragmatic repair. In the remaining instances of EOPT, a thoracotomy (11.3%), a thoracotomy and a laparotomy (10.4%), or another surgery (6.6%) occurred. The primary indication for EOPT surgery was uncontrolled hemorrhage, and one-third of patients received massive transfusion. One-lung ventilation (OLV) was infrequently employed (8.5%). When OLV was used, it was equally likely to involve a single-lumen endotracheal tube (SLETT) with mainstem bronchus insertion, a SLETT with a bronchial blocker, or a double-lumen endotracheal tube. Time from EOPT to operating room arrival was inversely related to in-hospital mortality. Also, both initial in-hospital endotracheal intubation and low injury severity score were strongly associated with survival in the population studied. Conclusions The most common indication for EOPT surgery was uncontrolled hemorrhage. The most frequent operation performed for this EOPT cohort was a laparotomy for diaphragmatic repair. A total of 91.5% of EOPT surgery was performed without OLV, an unexpected finding. When OLV occurred, it was equally likely to involve an SLETT with mainstem bronchus insertion, an SLETT with bronchial blocker, or a double-lumen endotracheal tube. The most common indication for OLV was surgical exposure. More extensive injury (expressed as an injury severity score), preadmission endotracheal intubation, and a shorter time from EOPT to operating room arrival were associated with increased odds ratios for mortality. A better understanding of the nature of EOPT at a civilian level 1 trauma center can serve to identify conditions that are associated with more favorable outcomes for EOPT under battlefield conditions and thereby assist in both management decisions and to help prognosticate and triage severely injured patients in that setting.

A Comparison of Conventional Rotating Method and Non-Rotating Method for Double-Lumen Tube Insertion Using a Customized Rigid J-Shaped Stylet for One-Lung Ventilation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The conventional double-lumen tube (DLT) insertion method requires a rotatory maneuver that was developed using direct laryngoscopy and may not be optimal for video laryngoscopy. This study compared a new non-rotatory maneuver with the conventional method for DLT insertion using video laryngoscopy. Methods: Patients scheduled for thoracic surgery requiring one-lung ventilation were randomly assigned to either the rotating (R) or non-rotating (NR) method groups. All patients were intubated using a customized rigid J-shaped stylet, a video laryngoscope, and a left-sided silicone DLT. The conventional rotatory maneuver was performed in the R group. In the NR group, the stylet was inserted with its tip oriented anteriorly (12 o'clock direction) while maintaining the bronchial lumen towards the left (9 o'clock direction). After reaching the glottic opening, the tube was inserted using a non-rotatory maneuver, maintaining the initial orientation. The primary endpoint was the intubation time. Secondary endpoints included first-trial success rate, sore throat, hoarseness, and airway injury. Results: Ninety patients (forty-five in each group) were included. The intubation time was significantly shorter in the NR group compared to the R group (22.0 [17.0, 30.0] s vs. 28.0 [22.0, 34.0] s, respectively), with a median difference of 6 s (95% confidence interval [CI], 3-11 s; p = 0.017). The NR group had a higher first-attempt success rate and a lower incidence of sore throats. Conclusions: The non-rotatory technique with video laryngoscopy significantly reduced intubation time and improved first-attempt success rate, offering a viable and potentially superior alternative to the conventional rotatory technique.

490. THE IMPACT OF ONE-LUNG VENTILATION ON POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS AFTER IVOR LEWIS ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Background One of the most common issue after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy are pulmonary complications, affecting up to 27% of patients, leading to longer hospital stay and higher healthcare costs. Traditionally, one-lung ventilation (OLV) with a double-lumen tube, is used during the thoracic phase of esophagectomy in order to provide a good surgical view by collapsing the right lung parenchyma. However, OLV has been proven to contribute to negative respiratory outcomes after surgery. On the other hand, a recent metanalysis showed that Two Lung Ventilation (TLV) is feasible throughout the two phases of the procedure, with good clinical, surgical and oncological results. Methods A consecutive series of patients undergoing minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (MIIL) between November 2022 and November 2023 in one high-volume center was retrospectively reviewed. Intraoperative ventilation characteristics were analyzed. Postoperative pulmonary complications were stratified according to Clavien Dindo classification and further divided into mild (&amp;lt;3a) and severe (&amp;gt;3b). Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the study sample. Data was expressed as median and interquartile range (IQR) for non-normally distributed variables and as proportions for binary variables. Categorical variables are expressed as frequencies and analyzed by chi-square (χ2) tests. P-values of &amp;lt; 0.05 defined statistical significance (two-sided). Results Of the 70 patients, 8 were excluded due to lack of data. 62 patients were further stratified into three groups considering the ratio between the durations of OLV and the thoracic phase (OLV/TP): group A less than 25% of OLV/TP, group B more than 25% but less than 75% and group C more than 75%. No difference between the three groups was found in terms of pulmonary complications (χ2=1.6248, p-value=0.4437) whilst patients with a shorter OLV/TP showed a significant reduction in the incidence of severe respiratory complications(χ2= 8.2974, p-value 0.015785, p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusion Taking into account the limits of the study (retrospective nature, single center study), our results show that the length of OLV may negatively affect postoperative pulmonary outcomes. These promising results justify the need to conduct a randomized controlled study that would be instrumental in reaching definitive conclusions.

101 Beyond guidelines: a case report of combined FBS and VLS use for awake double lumen tube positioning

101 Beyond guidelines: a case report of combined FBS and VLS use for awake double lumen tube positioning

Anesthetic Management of a Patient with Saber-Sheath Trachea

Saber-sheath trachea is a deformation of the trachea characterized by a tracheal index of less than 0.67, commonly found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This condition can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and recurrent respiratory infections, which may necessitate surgical intervention. We present the case of a 72-year-old male with a left upper pulmonary lobe tumor scheduled for thoracoscopic lobectomy. The patient exhibited severe emphysema and had a tracheal index of 0.28, indicating a significantly narrowed intrathoracic trachea. Preoperative assessments revealed stable vital signs and low risk for perioperative complications, allowing for standard noninvasive monitoring during the procedure. Anesthesia was induced while maintaining spontaneous breathing using inhalation anesthetics. A left-sided double-lumen endotracheal tube was successfully placed for lung isolation. Throughout the surgery, airway pressures remained below 20 cm H&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;O, and the patient tolerated ventilation well. Following the procedure, fiberoptic bronchoscopy confirmed the absence of airway complications. The patient experienced a smooth recovery, was discharged after 6 days, and reported feeling well at the 3-month follow-up. This case underscores the importance of careful anesthetic management in patients with saber-sheath trachea undergoing thoracic surgery.

The feasibility and accuracy of the method for selecting the optimal size of double-lumen tube in thoracic surgery: a prospective, randomized controlled trial

Double-lumen tubes (DLTs) are commonly used for one-lung ventilation (OLV) in thoracic surgery and the selection of an optimal size of DLTs is still a humongous task. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of the method for selecting an optimal size of DLTs in thoracic surgery. Sixty adult patients requiring a left side double-lumen tube (LDLT) for elective thoracoscopic surgery were included in this study. All patients were randomly allocated to the following two groups: Cuffs Collapsed group (CC group, n = 30) and Cuffs Inflated group (CI group, n = 30). In the Cuffs Collapsed group, the outer diameter of LDLT (the outer diameter of the tracheal and bronchial cuffs when they were collapsed as the outer diameter of the LDLT) matched with the inner diameter of the trachea and bronchus measured by the anesthesiologist on the chest CT slice; In the Cuffs Inflated group, the outer diameter of LDLT (the outer diameter of the tracheal and bronchial cuffs when they were inflated as the outer diameter of the LDLT) matched with the inner diameter of the trachea and bronchus measured by the anesthesiologist on the chest CT slice. The primary outcomes were the incidences of airway complications postoperative such as hoarseness and sore throat. The time of intubation and alignment, the incidences of LDLT displacement and adjustment, the peak airway pressure, the plateau airway pressure and the end-tidal carbon dioxide were also recorded. The incidences of airway complications postoperative such as sore throat and hoarseness were lower in the CI group than the CC group (P < 0.05), the intubation times was shorter in the CI group than the CC group (P < 0.05), while the peak airway pressure, the plateau airway pressure and the end-tidal carbon dioxide during two-lung ventilation and one-lung ventilation were no significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05). The method which matched the inner diameter of the trachea and bronchus measured on chest CT slice with the outer diameter of the tracheal and bronchial cuffs when they were inflated to select an appropriate size of LDLT can reduce the incidence of airway complications.Trials registration: Clinical Trials: gov. no. NCT05739318. Registered at https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov 22/02/2023.

Comparison of Auscultation Method Versus Lung Ultrasound Technique to Evaluate the Accuracy of Positioning of Left Double Lumen Tube in Patients Undergoing Cardiothoracic Surgery

Comparison of Auscultation Method Versus Lung Ultrasound Technique to Evaluate the Accuracy of Positioning of Left Double Lumen Tube in Patients Undergoing Cardiothoracic Surgery

Effect of patient position on the success rate of placing triple-cuffed double lumen endotracheal tubes: a two-center interventional observational study.

Double-lumen endotracheal tubes (DLT) are essential for one-lung ventilation during thoracic surgery. Bronchoscopy is crucial for correct placement of a DLT to avoid complications such as hypoxemia. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the triple-cuffed DLT (tcDLT) in the supine and lateral positions for correct placement without bronchoscopic guidance. This prospective observational study included 167 patients scheduled for elective thoracic surgery requiring one-lung ventilation. The incidence of successful placement of left-sided tcDLTs was compared between the supine and lateral decubitus positions under bronchoscopic surveillance. Successful tcDLT placement was defined as the placement of the proximal end of the bronchial cuff within 5 mm of the carina. Among 153 patients who completed the study, the successful tcDLT placement rate in the lateral position (70.6%) was significantly higher than that in the supine position (50.3%). The rate of difference was 20.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.6-29.9%). The extended successful placement rate, including slightly deeper placements, showed no significant differences between the positions (88.9%; 95% CI, 83.9‒93.9% in supine, 86.3%; 95% CI, 80.8‒91.7% in lateral). tcDLT facilitates correct tube placement in both the supine and lateral positions, with a higher lateral success rate. This finding supports the idea that tcDLTs offer a reliable alternative for lung separation when bronchoscopy is not feasible.

Common double-lumen tube selection methods overestimate adequate tube sizes in individual patients – a 3D reconstruction study

BackgroundAppropriate selection of double-lumen tube sizes for one-lung ventilation is crucial to prevent airway damage. Current selection methods rely on demographic factors or 2D radiography. Prediction of left bronchial diameter is indispensable for choosing the adequate tube size. This prospective observational study investigates if current selection methods sufficiently predict individuals’ left bronchial diameters for DLT selection compared to the 3D reconstruction.Methods100 patients necessitating thoracic surgery with one-lung ventilation and left-sided double-lumen tubes, ≥ 18 years of age, and a set of chest X-rays and 2D thorax CT scans for 3D reconstruction of the left main bronchus were included between 07/2021 and 06/2023. The cross-validated prediction error and the width of the 95%-prediction intervals of the 3D left main bronchial diameter utilizing linear prediction models were based on current selection methods.ResultsThe mean bronchial diameter in 3D reconstruction was 13.6 ± 2.1 mm. The ranges of the 95%-prediction intervals for the bronchial diameter were 6.4 mm for demographic variables, 8.3 mm for the tracheal diameter from the X-ray, and 5.9 mm for bronchial diameter from the 2D-CT scans. Current methods violated the suggested ‘≥1 mm’ safety criterion in up to 7% (men) and 42% (women). Particularly, 2D radiography overestimated women’s left bronchial diameter. Current methods even allowed the selection of double-lumen tubes with bronchial tube sections greater than the bronchial diameter in women.ConclusionsNeither demographic nor 2D-radiographic methods sufficiently account for the variability of the bronchial diameter. Wide 95%-prediction intervals for the bronchial diameter hamper accurate individual double-lumen tube selection. This increases women’s risk of bronchial damage, particularly if they have other predisposing factors. These patients may benefit from 3D reconstruction of the left main bronchus.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Analysis of Bending Deformation and Stress of 6063-T5 Aluminum Alloy Multi-Cavity Tube Filled with Liquid.

The production of aluminum alloy multi-lumen tubes primarily involves hot bending formation, a process where controlling thermal deformation quality is difficult. Specifically, the inner cavity wall of the tube is prone to bending instability defects under the bending stress field. To address these challenges in the bending deformation of aluminum alloy multi-lumen tubes, a multi-lumen liquid-filled bypass forming method is proposed in this paper. This study focuses on the 6063-T5 aluminum alloy double-lumen tube as the research object. The liquid-filled bending deformation behavior of the aluminum alloy double-lumen tube was investigated, and the deformation theory of the aluminum alloy double-lumen tube was studied. Through experimental and numerical simulation methods, the influence of support internal pressure, bending radius, and tube wall thickness on the liquid-filled bending deformation behavior of the double-lumen tube was examined. The results indicate that when the value of internal pressure was 7.5 MPa, the straightening of the outer wall was improved by 2.51%, the thinning rate of wall thickness was minimized, and the internal concave defect was effectively suppressed. The liquid-filled bending method provides a promising new approach for the integrated bending and forming of multi-lumen tubes.

Anesthetic management of broncho- alveolar lavage in pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: A case report

: Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a very rare, life threatening, noninflammatory, diffuse lung disorder characterized by dense accumulation of lipo-proteinaceous material within the alveoli causing hypoxemia, restrictive lung disease leading to respiratory failure. Whole lung lavage (WLL) is considered as the treatment of choice which includes infusing warm saline in the lungs and draining it out with the lipo-porteinaceous materials thereby clearing the obstruction. WLL requires good team co-ordination between the anaesthesiologists, pulmonologists and physiotherapists. The procedural course is challenging in many aspects like hypoxaemia and hemodynamic fluctuations. Post procedure short term mechanical ventilation is commonly required.: A 45 year old female, diagnosed case of PAP presented with dyspnea at rest with increasing oxygen requirement. After clinical examination and investigations, due to severity of the disease, broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) of left lung was planned with subsequent right lung BAL after few days. During the procedure, desaturation upto 78% was noted. With meticulous corrective measures, saturation picked up and the procedure was completed uneventfully. Post-operatively patient was mechanically ventilated and extubated after 32 hours.: WLL is the treatment of choice for PAP which involves multidisciplinary approach with mulitple challenges. Pre-oxygenation, adequate lung isolation with left sided double lumen tube (DLT), one lung ventilation with positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), vigilant intra-operative monitoring, cautious use of positional manoeuvres and recruitment manoeuvres with a good teamwork is the key for successful outcome.

Thoracotomy: An Overview of Perioperative Anaesthetic Management

Background: The anesthesiologist's role during open thoracotomy includes using a double lumen tube (DLT) for lung isolation, maintaining oxygenation with one-lung ventilation (OLV), and providing postoperative analgesia. This study aims to describe patient demographics, comorbidities, perioperative anesthetic management, complications, and the effectiveness of epidural catheter analgesia. Methods: In this prospective, observational study, patients who underwent open thoracotomy for decortications were evaluated. Thoracotomy was done under general anaesthesia, OLV with DLT, and epidural analgesia. Postoperatively, all the patients were shifted to the intensive care unit. Collected data included patient demographics, associated co-morbidities, severity of lung diseases, complications, and postoperative recovery. Postoperative analgesia was assessed by the visual analogue scale (0-10). Result: Of 20 patients, 16 were male, and 4 were female, with a mean age of 35 years (range 15-60) and a mean weight of 52 kg (range 36-66). History of hypertension (N=5), hypertension with diabetes (N=3), obstructive lung disease (N=6), restrictive lung disease (N=11), and both combined (N=3) were noted on pre-anesthetic check-ups. Intraoperative complications were hypotension (N=3), desaturation (N=3), respiratory acidosis (N =7), and metabolic acidosis (N=3). Postoperative analgesia was managed with an epidural catheter (N=18) &amp; systemic analgesia (N=2). All patients had uneventful postoperative courses except one patient who had pulmonary edema and did not survive. Conclusion: Patients undergoing open thoracotomy had an increased risk for adverse perioperative outcomes. The incidences of perioperative morbidity are high in patients with associated comorbidities. Proper OLV strategy helps to correct intraoperative desaturation. Epidural analgesia plays a key role in postoperative recovery.

Efficacy and safety of video double-lumen tube intubation in lateral position in patients undergoing thoracic surgery: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundVideo double-lumen tube (VDLT) intubation in lateral position is a potential alternative to intubation in supine position in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. This non-inferiority trial assessed the efficacy and safety of VDLT intubation in lateral position.MethodsPatients (18–70 yr) undergoing right thoracoscopic lung surgery were randomized to either the left lateral position group (group L) or the supine position group (group S). The VDLT was placed under video larygoscopy. The primary endpoint was the intubation time. Secondary endpoints included VDLT displacement rate, intubation failure rate, the satisfaction of surgeon and nurse, and intubation-related adverse events.ResultsThe analysis covered 80 patients. The total intubation time was 52.0 [20.4]s in group L and 34.3 [13.2]s in group S, with a mean difference of 17.6 s [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.9 s to 25.3 s; P = 0.050], failing to demonstrate non-inferiority with a non-inferiority margin of 10 s. Group L, compared with group S, had significantly lower VDLT displacement rate (P = 0.017) and higher nurse satisfaction (P = 0.026). No intubation failure occurred in any group. Intubation complications (P = 0.802) and surgeon satisfaction (P = 0.415) were comparable between two groups.ConclusionsThe lateral VDLT intubation took longer time than in the supine position, and non-inferiority was not achieved. The incidence of displacement as the secondary endpoint was lower in the L group, possibly due to changing body positions beforehand. The indication of lateral VDLT intubation should be based on a balance between the safety of airway management and the lower incidence of displacement.Trial registrationThe study was registered at Chictr.org.cn with the number ChiCTR2200064831 on 19/10/2022.

MID–TERM OUTCOMES OF ENDOSCOPIC MITRAL VALVE REPAIR VIA RIGHT ANTERIOR MINI–THORACOTOMY

Abstract The adoption of less–invasive mitral repair (MVr) surgery is increasing, backed by evidence of satisfactory short–term results and lower major morbidity. We assessed mid–term follow–up results of our experience, and compared two techniques: isolated leaflet resection and neochord implantation for posterior leaflet (PML) prolapse. Between 2012–2021, 700+ operations were performed with a video–assisted right mini–thoracotomy (RMT) approach. We report 309 consecutive patients who had endoscopic MVr, including those receiving concomitant tricuspid repair, ablation for atrial fibrillation, closure of patent foramen ovale and/or left atrial appendage. The early and mid–term follow–up results were ascertained. Primary outcome was the incidence of mortality and significant mitral regurgitation (MR) during follow–up which were summarized by Kaplan–Meier estimator and compared between treatment arms via log–rank test. Secondary outcomes were the early–postoperative results including 30–days mortality and major complications. All patients had endoscopic MVr via RMT at the 3rd/4th intercostal space (IS). A soft–tissue retractor is used, accompanied or not by a rib spreader, and two ports in the fourth and sixth IS are used for 3D thoracoscopy and carbon dioxide insufflation. Femoral vessels exposure through a right groin incision and echo–guided cannulation sec. Seldinger is achieved post–heparinization. Thoracic fascia bisection is performed during single–lung ventilation using a double–lumen endotracheal tube, integral to our anesthetic management, including percutaneous right internal jugular vein cannulation. The pericardium is opened and an aortic root cannula for cardioplegia delivery and venting is placed via working incision. After establishing cardiopulmonary bypass, a Chitwood clamp is passed through the second IS and cardioplegia is delivered. Endoaortic balloon clamping is primarily used in redo cases. With ring annuloplasty, 136 (44%) patients received PML resection (122 isolated) and 97 (31%) PML chords implantation (88 isolated). Forty–nine patients had annuloplasty alone. In–hospital mortality was 1.0%. Mean follow–up was 29±22 months (max 8.3 years). Kaplan–Meier 5–year survival was 97.3±1.0%. MR (3/4+) free–survival at 5 years was 94.5±2.3%. Subgroup time–to–event analysis for the indexed outcomes showed no statistical significance between techniques. In conclusion, endoscopic MVr is safe with excellent mid–term outcomes.

Investigating into microbiota in the uterine cavity of the unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss patients in early pregnancy

IntroductionThe majority of unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) cases have been attributed to immune abnormalities. Inappropriate changes in microbiota could lead to immune disorders. However, the specific role of uterine cavity microbiota in URPL remains unclear, and only a limited number of related studies are available for reference. MethodsWe utilized double-lumen embryo transfer tubes to collect uterine cavity fluid samples from pregnant women in their first trimester. Subsequently, we conducted 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze the composition and abundance of the microbiota in these samples. ResultsFor this study, we enlisted 10 cases of URPL and 28 cases of induced miscarriages during early pregnancy. Microbial communities were detected in all samples of the URPL group (100 %, n = 10), whereas none were found in the control group (0 %, n = 28). Among the identified microbes, Lactobacillus and Curvibacter were the two most dominant species. The abundance of Curvibacter is correlated with the number of NK cells in peripheral blood (r = −0.759, P = 0.018). DiscussionThis study revealed that during early pregnancy, Lactobacillus and Curvibacter were the predominant colonizers in the uterine cavity of URPL patients and were associated with URPL. Consequently, alterations in the dominant microbiota may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Nexplanonectomy—the surgical removal of an embolized implanted contraceptive device: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundNexplanon implants are a common hormonal contraceptive modality. Though rare, these devices can embolize into the injured wall of the basilic vein, through the right heart, and finally wedge itself into a pulmonary artery. With adherence to the arterial wall over time, it becomes less amenable to endovascular retrieval. Patients may present with symptoms mimicking a pulmonary embolism, or without any symptoms at all. In asymptomatic cases, endovascular retrieval and/or surgery is required when patients wish to begin having children prior to biological inactivity. The current literature showed as little as nine case reports detailing lung tissue removal in the aim of reversing a patient’s implanted contraceptive device.Case presentationA 22-year-old asymptomatic active-duty Caucasian female presented for elective outpatient Nexplanon removal. The suspicion of possible implant migration arose when it was discovered to be non-palpable in her left arm. After plain film x-rays failed to localize the implant, a chest x-ray and follow-up Computed Tomography (CT) scan revealed that the Nexplanon had migrated to a distal branch of the left pulmonary artery. Due to the patient’s strong desires to begin having children, the decision was made for removal. Initial endovascular retrieval failed due to Nexplanon encapsulation within the arterial wall. Ultimately, the patient underwent a left video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for exploration and left lower lobe basilar S7–9 segmentectomy, which successfully removed the Nexplanon.ConclusionsImplanted contraceptive devices can rarely result in migration to the pulmonary vasculature. These radiopaque devices are detectable on imaging studies if patients and clinicians are unable to palpate them. An endovascular approach should be considered first to spare lung tissue and avoid chest-wall incisions, but can be complicated by encapsulation and adherence to adjacent tissue. A VATS procedure with single-lung ventilation via a double-lumen endotracheal tube allows surgeons to safely operate on an immobilized lung while anesthesiologists facilitate single-lung ventilation. This patient’s case details the uncommon phenomenon of Nexplanon migration, and the exceedingly rare treatment resolution of lung resection to remove an embolized device.

Effect of a 3D-printed reconstruction automated matching system for selecting the size of a left double-lumen tube: a study protocol for a prospective randomised controlled trial

IntroductionLung isolation is primarily accomplished using a double-lumen tube (DLT) or bronchial blocker. A precise and accurate size of the DLT is a prerequisite for ensuring its accurate placement. Three-dimensional...

Individualized rotation of left double lumen endobronchial tube to improve placement success rate: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIn conventional practice, the left double lumen tube (DLT) is rotated 90° counterclockwise when the endobronchial cuff passes glottis. Success rate upon the first attempt is < 80%, likely owing to varying morphology of the bronchial bifurcation.MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare 90° counterclockwise rotation versus individualized degree of rotation in adult patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery using left DLT. The degree of rotation in the individualized group was based on the angle of the left main bronchi as measured on computed tomography (CT). The primary outcome was the first attempt left DLT placement success rate.ResultsA total of 556 patients were enrolled: 276 in the control group and 280 in the individualized group. The average angle of the left main bronchi was 100.6±9.5° (range 72° to 119°). The first attempt left DLT placement success rate was 82.6% (228/276) in the control group versus 91.4% (256/280) in the individualized group (P=0.02, χ2 test). The rate of carina mucosal injury, as measured at 30 min after the start of surgery under fibreoptic bronchoscopy, was significantly lower in individualized group than control group (14.0% versus 19.6%, P=0.041). The individualized group also had lower rate of postoperative sore throat (29.4% versus 44.0%, P<0.001) and hoarseness (16.8% versus 24.7%, P＜0.05).ConclusionsIndividualized rotation of left DLT based on the angle of the left main bronchi on preoperative CT increased first attempt success rate in adult patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery.Trial registrationThe trial is registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100053349; principal investigator Xiang Quan, date of registration November 19, 2021).