Double lumen endotracheal tubes (DLTs) are considered the gold standard for lung isolation – a procedure where we selectively ventilate a single lung or lobe. This is necessary to “protect” healthy lung tissue from hemorrhage or infection, isolate a bronchopleural fistula, perform unilateral lung lavage, or facilitate video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries.                      

DLTs come in two flavors: left-sided and right-sided. The laterality refers to where the tube’s bronchial cuff resides (left mainstem or right mainstem). Although these tubes are initially advanced into the airway with laryngoscopy, their final position is confirmed with bronchoscopy.

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