title: Role of the interventional pulmonologist in the intensive care unit.
abstract: Interventional pulmonology is a new field within the pulmonary and critical care medicine specialty with a focus on invasive diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in airway and pleural disorders. The interventional pulmonologist is highly qualified to take a prominent role in the intensive care unit in a consultative fashion to provide assistance with pleural procedures, establishment and care of artificial airways, and management of patients with respiratory failure attributable to structural central airway disorders. The presence of a dedicated operator with advanced skills facilitates access to specialized procedures in an expeditious and safe manner. Clear communication between the interventional pulmonologist and intensivist is vital to ensure a collaborative effort that delivers optimal patient care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Interventional Pulmonology Programs, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Momen M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Wahidi
authors.forename: Armin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ernst
mesh_terms: D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000628:therapy; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000379:methods; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D015272:Pulmonary Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000379:methods; D014463:Ultrasonography