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Univent/Uniblocker
Resource Center
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FAQ
| Q |
What does TCB mean? |
| A |
Torque Control Blocker. The new TCB blocker is made from a softer, more malleable material, similar to the braided wire angiography catheters, making it easier to rotate into position. The new flexible blocker also has softer open lumen tip to decrease the trauma to the airway. |
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| Q |
Are the Univent and Uniblocker latex free? |
| A |
Yes, the TCB Univent is latex free. The tube is made from a medical grade silicone. |
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| Q |
Do I need to select a left or right-sided Univent tube or Uniblocker for my procedures? |
| A |
No. The TCB Univent can be used for either left or right-sided lung isolation by simply advancing the blocker down the relevant side. |
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| Q |
What are the indications for use? |
| A |
The TCB Univent can be used to achieve one lung ventilation or segment isolation in a variety of surgical procedures as well as non-surgical applications:
- Lung resection
- Thoracic aneurysm
- Esophageal surgery
- Cardiac surgery (minimally invasive)
- Bronchopleural fistula
- Prevent infection of the contralateral lung
- Blunt trauma injury causing excessive bleeding
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| Q |
Are there any contraindications? |
| A |
There is only one relative contraindication for use: pulmonary lavage. |
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| Q |
Why are there two outer diameters listed for the Univent? |
| A |
The cross-section of the TCBUnivent tube is an oval shape. The two outside measurements represent the two cross-sectional diameters of the tube. |
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| Q |
Do the Univent/Uniblocker come in adult and pediatric sizes? |
| A |
The TCB Univent is available in adult (6.0mm - 9.0mm) and pediatric sizes (3.5mm and 4.5mm). The Uniblocker is only available in one size (Fr. 9) for use with an 8.0mm or larger ETT. |
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| Q |
What style of bronchoscope should I use with the pediatric Univent? |
| A |
Olympus F-P can be used with the pediatric TCB Univent. |
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| Q |
Can I use the Univent for post-operative ventilation? |
| A |
This ability to retract the blocker back into its channel, thus creating a patent lumen for ventilation is one of the main advantages of the TCB Univent. There is no need to convert from a DLT to a single lumen tube at the end of the case. |
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| Q |
Can I apply suction or CPAP to the blocker? |
| A |
The lumen of the blocker is patent and can be used to apply suction to assist deflation of the indicated lung or segment as well as the application of CPAP. |
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| Q |
Can the Univent/Uniblocker used in a difficult airway? |
| A |
Yes. Many patients with small mouth openings can cause the DLT cuff to tear on the teeth. The silicone construction of the TCB Univent tube and cuff provide a more durable product that is more resistant to tearing than PVC. |
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| Q |
Who developed the Univent tube? |
| A |
The Univent tube was developed by Dr. Hiroshi Inoue, Professor of Surgery, Tokai University School of Medicine. |
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