Bronchial Diameters in Children—Use of the Fogarty Catheter for Lung Isolation in Children

Abstract

The right and left main bronchial diameters of 250 children were measured using computed tomography of the thorax. In 75% of the cases, the right main bronchial diameter was significantly larger than the left (95% CI 0.7-0.9, P<0.01). Age but not weight of a child is a good predictor of the bronchial diameter (Beta value is 2.81x10(-2) and 2.58x10(-2) for right and left main bronchial diameter respectively). A size 3 Fogarty catheter will provide effective bronchial blocking for children up to 4 years old. A size 5 Fogarty catheter can be used for most children from 5 to 12 years old. Larger Fogarty catheters or double-lumen tubes can be used in older children. Overinflation of the cuff should be avoided by fibreoptic bronchoscopy of the balloon. Our clinical application of the technique is discussed.