The Double Lumen Tube (DLT) is a medical device that is utilized to provide patients with a secure and efficient airway. This type of tube is inserted through the patient's mouth and passed down into their windpipe. This tube has two separate lumens or channels, which enable the patient to receive oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide.
Double lumen endotracheal tubes are classified according to their size, shape, and material. They are commonly used during surgeries that require one-lung ventilation, such as thoracic or cardiac operations. These tubes enable the anesthesiologist to selectively ventilate one lung while deflating the other, providing better visualization and improved surgical outcomes.
In conclusion, double lumen tubes are crucial tools used to ensure that patients receive the necessary oxygenation and ventilation during surgical procedures.