New life for UniventTM tubes

Univent tubes for airway management

Abstract

Background: The advancement of diagnostic methods and the identification of new indications have presented the anesthesiology team with the critical task of maintaining patients' airways. It is essential to ensure optimal oxygenation and effectively manage airway bleeding.

Methods: A review of relevant literature was conducted to assess the clinical applications, advantages, and limitations of the Univent™ endotracheal tube with an integrated bronchial blocker. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English.

Conclusion: The Univent™ tube with a bronchial blocker (BB) is vital for one-lung ventilation and bronchial isolation. While this tool provides significant benefits in scenarios requiring one-lung ventilation, there are important drawbacks to consider, including the risk of tube displacement, difficulties in placement, limited access for suctioning, and potential complications related to the airway.