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Clinical applications of ultrathin flexible bronchoscopes
Author(s) -
Wood Robert E.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.1950010505
Subject(s) - medicine , suction , endotracheal tube , intubation , airway , endotracheal intubation , flexible bronchoscopy , surgery , mechanical engineering , engineering
Three different models of ultrathin flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopes (1.8, 2.3, and 2.7 mm in diameter) were used in 190 examinations of pediatric patients. These instruments facilitate clinical procedures and evaluations that are difficult if not impossible with previous bronchoscopes. New applications include endoscopic transnasal intubation with endotracheal tubes as small as 3.0 mm (ID), inspection of the upper lobe segments in infants weighing less than 2.5 kg, and evaluation of the lower airways through endotracheal tubes as small as 2.5 mm (ID) or tracheostomy tubes as small as no. 00 (3.1 mm ID). Although these instruments have no suction channel and are thus incapable of removing airway secretions or obtaining specimens, they are extremely useful for many clinical purposes in infants and young children.