Isolation of the lung: Double-lumen tubes and endobronchial blockers

Over the past decades, indications for one-lung ventilation (OLV) have largely increased in cardiothoracic, orthopedic and spinal surgery along with the advances in minimally invasive techniques. Lung isolation is currently achieved with a double-lumen endotracheal tube (DLT) or an endobronchial blocker (EBB). Expertises in videolaryngoscopy and fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) are valuable assets for safe management of the upper airways and correct placement of DLTs and BBs. This review will focus on a rationale application of either of these lung isolation devices, discussing their specificities, indications and limitations which are relevant for thoracic and non-thoracic anesthesiologists.