Complication bronchial blocker

These can include:

• A complication seen with early versions of the Univent occurred when a fracture of the blocker cap connector was found.
• Failure to achieve lung separation because of abnormal anatomy or lack of a seal within the bronchus also has been reported.
• Inclusion of the bronchial blocker or the distal wire loop of an Arndt blocker into the stapling line has been reported during a right upper lobectomy and required surgical reexploration after unsuccessful removal of the bronchial blocker after extubation. To avoid these mishaps communication with the surgical team regarding the presence of a bronchial blocker in the surgical side is crucial and if the blocker is near the staple line. Clearly, the bronchial blocker needs to be withdrawn a few centimeters before stapling.
• The inflated balloon may move and lodge above the carina or be accidentally inflated in the trachea. This leads to inability to ventilate, hypoxia, and potentially cardiorespiratory arrest unless quickly recognized and the blocker deflated.
• There is a report of a sheared balloon of the Arndt blocker that occurred when the blocker was removed through the multiport blocker side port. It is advised that when an independent bronchial blocker is not in use it needs to be removed with the multiport connector in place rather than through the connector.