NHS Innovations East was set up to help NHS staff in the region develop new ideas that will enhance healthcare delivery. One of the latest innovations to emerge is a new device designed to improve patient safety in lung isolation for thoracic surgery.
Compared to other techniques, positioning within the appropriate bronchus is claimed to be easier and less time consuming. More importantly, the bifurcated tip design stabilises the inflated “blocker cuff” (the device that isolates the lung), preventing herniation into the trachea or dislodgement from the bronchial orifice. This reduces the risk of displacement when moving the patient, or during surgical handling of the lungs, thereby improving patient safety.
