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.
Anzueto
A
A
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Levine
S M
SM
Jenkinson
S G
SG
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