Thoracic Anaesthesia for the general anaesthetist

Thoracic anaesthesia can be challenging for anaesthetists who may not routinely manage one-lung ventilation. In this ADVANCE session, clinicians explored the practical aspects of lung isolation, troubleshooting hypoxaemia, and optimising ventilation strategies during thoracic surgery. The discussion featured expert insights from Professor Peter Slinger, often regarded as one of the pioneers and a leading authority in modern thoracic anaesthesia—who shared practical guidance on double-lumen tube placement, recognising difficult lung isolation and managing common intraoperative challenges faced by general anaesthetists.

Through case discussions and expert commentary, the session focused on real-world strategies to improve confidence and safety during thoracic cases. Key themes included recognising common pitfalls in lung isolation, troubleshooting hypoxaemia during one-lung ventilation and practical approaches when standard techniques fail. Designed for the general anaesthetist, the session translates expert thoracic practice into practical bedside strategies applicable across a wide range of clinical settings.