Ultrasound versus auscultation and bronchoscopy for checking double-lumen tube placement

Ultrasonographic Confirmation of Double-Lumen Endobronchial Tube Placement Compared With Auscultation and Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy in Thoracic Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study

Observational Izmir City Hospital · NCT07465510

We will test whether bedside lung ultrasound can accurately confirm double-lumen tube placement compared with listening (auscultation) and fiberoptic bronchoscopy in adults having elective thoracic surgery with one-lung ventilation.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorIzmir City Hospital Government
Locations1 site (Izmir, İzmir)
Trial IDNCT07465510 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective observational comparison in adults scheduled for elective thoracic surgery with planned one-lung ventilation using double-lumen endobronchial tubes. After tube placement operators will perform bedside lung ultrasound and standard auscultation, then compare both with fiberoptic bronchoscopy as the reference standard. The study will calculate diagnostic performance measures such as sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for ultrasound and auscultation. The goal is to see if lung ultrasound can reliably confirm correct DLT position when bronchoscopy is not immediately available.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 scheduled for elective thoracic surgery with planned one-lung ventilation using a double-lumen endobronchial tube, ASA I–III, who can provide written informed consent are eligible.

Not a fit: Patients with airway anomalies, prior lung resection, tracheostomy, coagulopathy, pleural pathology, chest wall deformity, emergency surgery, or who decline participation are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the ultrasound confirmation tested here.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, lung ultrasound could offer a rapid, noninvasive bedside method to confirm double-lumen tube position, improving safety when bronchoscopy is unavailable.

How similar studies have performed: Previous investigations have shown promising accuracy for lung ultrasound in confirming lung isolation and tube positioning, but its specific performance for double-lumen tubes is still being refined.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 65 years
* Scheduled for elective thoracic surgery
* Planned one-lung ventilation
* Use of double-lumen endobronchial tube
* ASA physical status I-III
* Written informed consent obtained

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known airway anomalies
* Previous lung resection surgery
* Tracheostomy
* Coagulopathy
* Pleural effusion or pleural pathology that may interfere with lung ultrasound evaluation
* Chest wall deformity
* Emergency surgery
* Patients who decline participation

Where this trial is running

Izmir, İzmir

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Thoracic Surgery With One-lung Ventilation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.