Imaging aid for thoracic surgery: multidetector-row computed tomography evaluation of the tracheobronchial structure and bronchial tube selection for one-lung anesthesia

Objective The tracheobronchial structures were evaluated by multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT), which provided imaging information for one-lung anesthesia during thoracic surgery. Methods The subjects consisted of 100 patients. Three-dimensional (3D) images of the tracheobronchial structures and the bronchial tubes were created. Results Individual differences were found in the tracheobronchial structures in 100 patients. The length and the diameter of the right main bronchus were measured with 3D images and were not related to the patient’s physical appearance, such as body height. Problematic intubation cases included a short right main bronchus