Goal:

assessing the validity and effectiveness of pulmonary ultrasound against clinical method to corroborate left selective intubation on thorax surgery.

Material and method:

transversal study, observational, prospective, double blind. 59 patients in 2 different stages where included: (1-n 15 technique development; 2-n 44). After intubation with left double-lumen tube, sequential clamping of both lights, both clinically assessment of position and through ultrasound with subsequent confirmation through fibrobronchoscopy (reference standards).

Stage 2 results:

In 56.8% (n=25) of cases the tube was placed properly.

Ultrasound validation (proper collocation): sensitivity of 84,00% (IC 95%:63.08-94.75), specificity of 94.74% (IC 95%: 71.89-99.72), Positive predictive values 95,45% (IC 95%: 75.12-99.76), Negative predictive value 81,82% ((IC at 95%: 58.99-94.01). Validity of pulmonary auscultation: sensitivity of 96.00% (IC at 95%: 77.68-99.79), Specificity of 100.00% (IC at 95%: 79.08-100.00), positive predictive values of 100.00% (IC at 95%: 82.83-100.00), Negative predictive value of 95.00% ((IC at 95%: 73.06-99.74).

Discussion:

the difference in results with other authors might respond to difference in expertise (first experience on our medium), wider inclusion criteria, and number of patients. We propose increasing the “n” and adding other ultrasonic signs of assessment.

Conclusion:

ultrasound is presented in a promising way as a complementary tool to clinic evaluation.

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