Intermediate
Technical
IVT
bronchial blocker
A specialized catheter used to achieve one-lung ventilation during thoracic procedures by selectively blocking a bronchus.
Full Definition
A bronchial blocker is a balloon-tipped catheter inserted alongside an endotracheal tube to provide selective lung isolation during cardiothoracic surgery. Unlike double-lumen tubes, bronchial blockers can be used with standard endotracheal tubes and are particularly useful in patients with difficult airways or when lung isolation is needed postoperatively. The device allows the anesthesiologist to deflate one lung while maintaining ventilation of the other, facilitating surgical access to thoracic structures.
Usage
Usage note: Should be hyphenated when used as a compound modifier (e.g., 'bronchial-blocker placement').
In Context
- "The anesthesiologist opted for a bronchial blocker rather than a double-lumen tube due to the patient's anticipated difficult intubation." — Anesthetic procedure note
- "Proper positioning of the bronchial blocker was confirmed with fiberoptic bronchoscopy before surgical incision." — Operative report
Also known as
lung isolation catheter
endobronchial blocker
Don't confuse with
double-lumen tube
endobronchial tube