Comparison of Ultrasound, CT, and Classical Methods for Selecting Sizes and Placement of Left-Sided Double-Lumen Tubes

In modern thoracic anesthesia, one-lung ventilation (OLV) is essential for managing surgeries, and double-lumen tubes (DLTs) have been a key advancement. DLTs allow separate lung ventilation, facilitating lung deflation and preventing material transfer to the healthy lung. However, improper DLT placement can compromise these functions, emphasizing the importance of correct sizing and positioning. Choosing the right DLT size depends heavily on patient-specific factors. Undersized DLTs can cause airway injuries, increased resistance, and displacement, while oversized DLTs are linked to postoperative issues like sore throat and difficult intubation. Despite this, no universal criterion exists for DLT size selection. Traditional methods rely on height and gender, but weak correlations with airway size often lead to improper choices, especially in shorter individuals. Imaging techniques like chest X-rays, Computed Tomography (CT), and ultrasonography (USG) offer a more precise approach to airway measurements for DLT selection. USG is especially advantageous due to its accessibility, speed, and ease of use in operating rooms and emergencies. To improve the accuracy and ease of DLT size selection and placement, investigators aimed to compare anatomical measurements from USG and CT with traditional methods.