Double-Lumen Endotracheal Tubes

Double-lumen endotracheal tubes (ETTs) are typically used in the operating room in surgeries that require one-lung ventilation. They can be challenging to insert due to their large size relative to the pharynx and larynx, especially when compared to traditional single-lumen endotracheal tubes. This chapter details indications for one-lung ventilation, factors for appropriately sizing double-lumen ETTs, advantages and disadvantages to double-lumen ETTs, necessary equipment for intubating with a double-lumen ETT, and how to insert, manage, and troubleshoot double-lumen ETTs.