A Comparison of the EZ-Blocker With a Cohen Flex-Tip Blocker for One-Lung Ventilation

ObjectivesThe EZ-Blocker (IQ Medical Ventures BV, Rotterdam, Netherlands) is a newly designed device for one-lung ventilation. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the Cohen Flex-Tip bronchial blocker (Cook, Bloomington, IN) and the EZ-Blocker for one-lung ventilation during thoracic surgery.DesignRandomized and prospective.SettingA university hospital.ParticipantsThis study included 40 patients undergoing thoracic surgical procedures.InterventionsPatients were assigned to 2 study groups: Patients who received the Cohen Flex-Tip blocker were assigned to the Cohen group, and patients who received the EZ-Blocker were assigned to the EZ group. In both groups, fiberoptic guidance was used during placement of the bronchial blockers. Comparisons between the groups included the time to correct placement, the incidence of malpositioning, and the satisfaction level of the surgeon (good, fair, poor).Measurements and Main ResultsOne-lung ventilation was achieved successfully for all patients. The time to correct placement (mean±SD) was significantly shorter in the EZ group (146±56 seconds) compared with the Cohen group (241±51 seconds; p = 0.01). The incidence of malpositioning was significantly lower in the EZ group compared with the Cohen group (p = 0.018). Surgeon satisfaction was similar in both groups.ConclusionsIn this study, both bronchial blockers provided similar surgical exposure during thoracic procedures. The EZ-Blocker had a shorter time to correct positioning and less frequent intraoperative malpositioning.