Rigid & Flexible Bronchoscopy
Rigid Bronchoscopy
Rigid bronchoscopy involves inserting a rigid metal tube with a light and camera into the airways for direct visualization and access to the trachea and bronchi. It’s used to diagnose and treat airway issues like obstructions, blood clots, mucus, and for taking biopsies. Performed under general anesthesia, it ensures patient comfort and stillness. This procedure is especially useful in emergencies and for therapeutic interventions requiring a stable, wide airway.
Camera-assisted rigid bronchoscopy
Camera-assisted rigid bronchoscopy involves inserting a rigid metal tube with an attached light and camera into the airways. This allows doctors to directly visualize and access the trachea and bronchi. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and stillness, making it particularly useful in emergencies and for certain therapeutic interventions.
Fiber-optic assisted rigid bronchoscopy
Fibre-optic assisted rigid bronchoscopy combines a rigid bronchoscope with a flexible fibre-optic scope. This setup allows for enhanced visualization and access to the airways, facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of airway issues. The fibre-optic scope provides better maneuverability and detailed imaging, while the rigid bronchoscope offers stability, making it useful for complex therapeutic interventions.
Bronchoscopic Biopsies
Rigid Biopsy Forceps
Flexible Biopsy Forceps
Flexible Biopsy Forceps
Endobronchial biopsies using rigid forceps and camera-assisted rigid bronchoscopy involve inserting a rigid bronchoscope with a camera into the airways. Rigid forceps are then passed through the bronchoscope to collect tissue samples from the airway walls. This procedure, performed under general anesthesia, allows for precise visualization and sampling of larger endobronchial lesions.
Flexible Biopsy Forceps
Flexible Biopsy Forceps
Flexible Biopsy Forceps
Endobronchial biopsies using flexible forceps and fiber-optic assisted rigid bronchoscopy involve inserting a rigid bronchoscope with a fiber-optic scope into the airways. The flexible forceps are then guided through the bronchoscope to collect tissue samples from the airway walls. This method provides enhanced maneuverability, ensuring precise sampling of smaller and more distally located lesions.
Therapeutic Interventions
Cryotherapy
Therapeutic cryotherapy bronchoscopy involves using extreme cold to treat abnormal tissues in the airways. A bronchoscope delivers liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide to freeze and destroy lesions, tumors, or obstructions. This minimally invasive procedure helps restore airway patency, reduce symptoms, and improve breathing in patients with various respiratory conditions.
Laser ablation
Therapeutic laser and argon plasma ablation bronchoscopy uses high-energy light or ionized gas to remove or reduce airway obstructions. A bronchoscope delivers the laser or plasma to precisely target and vaporize abnormal tissues, such as tumors or granulations. This minimally invasive technique improves airway patency, alleviates symptoms, and enhances breathing in patients with respiratory conditions.
Removal of foreign body
Removal of a foreign body via bronchoscopy involves inserting a bronchoscope through the mouth or nose into the airways. The bronchoscope locates the object, and specialized tools like forceps or baskets are used to grasp and extract it. This minimally invasive procedure is performed under sedation or anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort while restoring normal airway function and alleviating symptoms caused by the obstruction.
Balloon dilatation
Therapeutic balloon dilatation bronchoscopy involves using a bronchoscope to guide a balloon catheter into narrowed airways. The balloon is then inflated to widen the constricted area, improving airflow. This minimally invasive procedure helps alleviate symptoms and restore normal breathing in patients with airway stenosis or other obstructive conditions.
Stent insertion
Therapeutic stent insertion bronchoscopy involves placing a stent in the airway to keep it open. A bronchoscope guides the stent to the narrowed or collapsed area, where it expands to support the airway walls. This minimally invasive procedure helps improve breathing and alleviate symptoms in patients with airway obstructions or stenosis.
The evolution of Bronchoscopy
Robotic & Navigational Bronchoscopy
Robotic bronchoscopy uses a robotic arm controlled by a physician to navigate the bronchoscope with high precision. This technology enhances stability and allows for more accurate targeting of lesions, especially in hard-to-reach areas of the lungs. It improves diagnostic yield and therapeutic interventions by providing better control and visualization.
Navigational bronchoscopy, on the other hand, employs electromagnetic or GPS-like technology to guide the bronchoscope through the airways. This method uses pre-procedure CT scans to create a 3D map of the lungs, helping physicians navigate to specific locations with greater accuracy. It is particularly useful for diagnosing and treating peripheral lung lesions.
While both techniques aim to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of bronchoscopic procedures, robotic bronchoscopy offers enhanced precision and control through robotic assistance. Navigational bronchoscopy relies on advanced imaging and mapping for accurate guidance. Robotic bronchoscopy is often preferred for complex cases requiring high precision, whereas navigational bronchoscopy is valuable for accessing peripheral lung areas.