3D CT airway evaluation-guided intraluminal placement of endobronchial blocker in pediatric patients: a randomized controlled study

Background The aim of the present study was to propose a new approach for 3D computed tomography (CT) airway evaluation-guided endobronchial blocker placement in pediatric patients, and to determine its efficiency in clinical application. Methods A total of 127 pediatric patients aged 0.5-3 years who were scheduled for elective thoracic surgery using one-lung ventilation (OLV) were randomized into the bronchoscopy (BRO) group and the CT group. The degree of lung collapse, postoperative airway mucosal injury, pulmonary infection within 72 h after surgery, and hoarseness after tracheal extubation; duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospitalization; success rate of first blocker positioning; and required time and repositioning for successful blocker placement were compared between the 2 groups. Results The degree of lung collapse, postoperative airway mucosal injury, pulmonary infection within 72 h after surgery, and hoarseness after tracheal extubation; duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and hospitalization; success rate of first blocker positioning; and required time and repositioning for successful blocker placement were similar between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions For pediatric patients undergoing surgery with OLV, preoperative 3D CT airway evaluation could be used to guide endobronchial blocker placement, with a blocking efficiency similar to that of BRO-guided blocker placement.