Correlation Analysis of Bronchial Blocker Insertion Depth in Thoracic Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: The insertion depth of the bronchial blocker demands precise positioning and bronchoscopic confirmation. This study aims to investigate the parameters that influence the insertion depth of bronchial blockers in thoracic surgery. Methods: 110 adult patients receiving thoracic surgery at Yichang Central People's Hospital were recruited as study participants. Age (A), gender (G), weight (W), and height (H) of patients were recorded. Following general anesthesia, a single-lumen tube was intubated. The bronchial blocker was placed using a video flexible scope at the optimal position in the left or right main bronchus, noting the depth (D) of tube insertion. Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were conducted on the data. Results: There was a significant gender difference in the insertion depth of the bronchial blocker (P < 0.01); There was no statistically significant difference in insertion depth between the left and right sides (P > 0.05). Height was significantly correlated with the insertion depth of the bronchial blocker (P < 0.01). Weight showed a weak correlation with insertion depth (P < 0.05), and age showed no correlation with insertion depth (P > 0.05). The single-factor linear regression equation for height and the insertion depth was D = 5.841 + 0.138H (coefficient of determination R² = 0.42). The multivariate linear regression equation with height, weight, and age as independent variables was D = 2.638 + 0.158H - 0.017W + 0.016A (coefficient of determination R² = 0.51), indicating a better linear fit than the former. Conclusion: The multivariate linear regression equation D = 2.638 + 0.158H - 0.017W + 0.016A can be used to quickly predict the insertion depth of bronchial blocker, which can then be confirmed visually with flexible scope techniques.