The technique of fiberoptic bronchoscopy.  Diagnostic and therapeutic uses in intubated, ventilated patients.
Fiberoptic bronchoscopy has a variety of applications in the intensive care unit.  This procedure, which can be done at the patient's bedside, can be used to clear excess secretions; check the position of, or replace, an endotracheal tube; identify areas of active bleeding; diagnose opportunistic infections; and evaluate obstructive airway lesions.  Before the bronchoscope is inserted, antisialagogues, anxiolytics, and topical anesthetics are administered along with supplemental oxygen.  In intubated, ventilated patients, a fiberoptic bronchoscope may be passed through a swivel adapter to prevent loss of the delivered oxygen and tidal volume.  Cardiac arrhythmias and hypoxemia are among the most common complications.
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
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Anzueto
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Levine
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Jenkinson
D000402:Airway Obstruction; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D000075202:Contraindications; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006469:Hemoptysis; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D011292:Premedication; D012121:Respiration, Artificial