Use of lighted stylets to facilitate insertion of double-lumen endobronchial tubes in patients with difficult airway anatomy.

Placement of double-lumen endobronchial tubes (DLTs) into the trachea can be difficult because of their size and configuration. For patients with abnormal airway anatomy and anticipated difficult tracheal intubation, DLT placement can be extremely challenging. We present our experience using lighted stylets to facilitate insertion of DLTs in a series of patients with difficult airway anatomy.