Diagnostic Utility and Safety of Non-Intubated Cryobiopsy Technique Using a Novel Ultrathin Cryoprobe in Addition to Conventional Biopsy Techniques for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Transbronchial cryobiopsy enables high-quality sample collection around the probe tip. Meanwhile, existing cryoprobes have less flexibility and a higher risk of bleeding. The ultrathin cryoprobe with a 1.1-mm diameter addresses these problems and allows specimens to be directly retrieved through the working channel of a thin bronchoscope. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the diagnostic utility and safety of non-intubated cryobiopsy using an ultrathin cryoprobe added to conventional biopsy for diagnosing peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). METHODS: The data of patients who underwent conventional biopsy followed by non-intubated cryobiopsy to retrieve specimens through the thin bronchoscope's working channel for diagnosing PPLs at Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital from July 2021 to June 2022 were retrospectively collected. They were analyzed to evaluate the diagnostic utility and safety of adding non-intubated cryobiopsy to conventional biopsy for PPLs. The characteristics of PPLs that obtain additional diagnostic benefits from cryobiopsy over conventional biopsy were also investigated. RESULTS: The analysis included 113 patients. The diagnostic yields of conventional biopsy and non-intubated cryobiopsy were 70.8% and 82.3%, respectively (p = 0.009). The total diagnostic yield was 85.8%, higher than conventional biopsy alone (p < 0.001). Although one moderate bleeding occurred, no severe complications developed. The additional diagnostic benefits of non-intubated cryobiopsy over conventional biopsy were demonstrated when the radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) showed "adjacent to" (60.3% vs. 82.8%, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Non-intubated cryobiopsy using an ultrathin cryoprobe has high diagnostic utility and safety for diagnosing PPLs, with additional diagnostic benefits over conventional biopsy depending on the R-EBUS image.

Solitary Lung Nodule: CT-Guided Transthoracic Biopsy vs Transbronchial Biopsy With Endobronchial Ultrasound and Flexible Bronchoscope, a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Transbronchial lung biopsy with radial endobronchial ultrasound (rEBUS-TBB) and Computed tomography (CT) scan-guided transthoracic biopsy (CT-TTB) are commonly used to investigate peripheral lung nodules but high-quality data are still not clear about the diagnostic and safety profile comparison of these two modalities. METHOD: We included all randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing rEBUS-TBB with a flexible bronchoscope and CT-TTB for solitary lung nodules. Two reviewers extracted data independently on diagnostic performance and complication rates. RESULTS: 170 studies were screened, 4 RCT with a total of 325 patients were included. CT-TTB had a higher diagnostic yield than rEBUS-TBB (83.45% vs 68.82%, risk difference - 0.15, 95% CI, [- 0.24, - 0.05]), especially for lesion size 1-2 cm (83% vs 50%, risk difference - 0.33, 95% CI, [- 0.51, - 0.14]). For malignant diseases, rEBUS-TBB had a diagnostic yield of 75.75% vs 87.7% of CT-TTB. rEBUS-TBB had a significant better safety profile with lower risks of pneumothorax (2.87% vs 21.43%, OR = 0.12, 95% CI [0.05-0.32]) and combined outcomes of hospital admission, hemorrhage, and pneumothorax (8.62% vs 31.81%, OR 0.21, 95% CI, [0.11-0.40]). Factors increasing diagnostic yield of rEBUS were lesion size and localization of the probe but not the distance to the chest wall and hilum. CONCLUSION: CT-TTB had a higher diagnostic yield than rEBUS-TBB in diagnosing peripheral lung nodules, particularly for lesions from 1 to 2 cm. However, rEBUS-TBB was significantly safer with five to eight times less risk of pneumothorax and composite complications of hospital admission, hemorrhage, and pneumothorax. The results of this study only apply to flexible bronchoscopy with radial ebus without navigational technologies. More data are needed for a comparison between CT-TTB with rEBUS-TBB combined with advanced navigational modalities.

Effects of bevel direction of endotracheal tube on the postoperative sore throat when performing fiberoptic-guided tracheal intubation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: During fiberoptic-guided tracheal intubation, impingement between the distal tip of the endotracheal tube and the airway tissue can cause difficulties in tube insertion or tissue damage during the tube advancement over the bronchoscope. This randomized controlled study aimed to investigate the effects of the endotracheal tube's bevel direction on the complications associated with airway injury when performing fiberoptic-guided tracheal intubation. METHODS: The study subjects were divided into 2 groups: L (control) and D (study). When advancing the tube over the bronchoscope, the tube's bevel was facing the patients' left in Group L and the dorsal direction in Group D. According to the degree of resistance at the time of tube advancement, the insertion score was graded in 3 stages; the severity of the patients' sore throat and hoarseness was evaluated and recorded postoperatively. RESULTS: The severity of postoperative sore throat was higher in Group L than in Group D 3 hours and 24 hours after surgery. (P = .008, P = .023, respectively). The tube insertion score was comparable between the groups. The severity of postoperative hoarseness did not vary significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: Endotracheal tube insertion with the bevel facing the dorsal direction of the patient during fiberoptic-guided tracheal intubation reduced the severity of postoperative sore throat in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

[Cerebral air embolism: A rare complication of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy]. / Embolie gazeuse cérébrale : une complication rare de la fibroscopie bronchique souple.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral air embolism is a rare complication of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. It is a serious, life-threatening complication. The treatment consists of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. CASE REPORT: We report the case of cerebral air embolism that occurred in an 80-year-old woman after a flexible bronchial fibroscopy with bronchial spur biopsies. The patient showed neurological signs after the procedure. The brain CT-scan found disseminated air emboli. The progress was fatal in the absence of specific treatment, taking account of the context, the patient's comorbidities and the wishes of the family. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral air embolism is a serious complication that can occur during a bronchial biopsy even though this complication is rare.

Implementation of an Anaesthesia Quality Improvement Programme to Reduce Fibreoptic Bronchoscope Repair Incidents.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at investigating the effectiveness of the implementation of a comprehensive quality improvement programme (QIP) for reducing the repair rate of the fibreoptic bronchoscope (FOB). METHODS: A three-stage improvement strategy was implemented between January 2013 and December 2016. Stage one is the acquisition of information on violations of practice guidelines, repair rate, cost of repair, and incidence of unavailability of FOB during anaesthesia induction of the previous year through auditing. Stage two is the implementation of a quality improvement campaign (QIC) based on the results of stage one. Stage three is the programme perpetuation through monitoring compliance with policy on FOB use by regular internal audits. The effectiveness was retrospectively analyzed on a yearly basis. RESULTS: The annual repair rate, repair cost, and incidence of FOB unavailability before the QIP implementation were 1%, 18,757 USD, and 1.4%, respectively. After QIC, the repair rate in 2013 dropped by 81% (from 1% in 2012 to 0.19% in 2013, p < 0.05). The annual repair cost fell by 32% from 18,758 USD (2012) to 12,820 USD (2013). Besides, the incidence of FOB unavailability plummeted by 71% from 1.4% to 0.4% during the same period. The annual repair rates and incidence of FOB unavailability remained lower in subsequent three years than those before QIP implementation. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a quality improvement programme was effective for reducing the rate and cost of FOB repair as well as unavailability rate, highlighting its beneficial impact on cost-effectiveness and patient safety in a tertiary referral center setting.

Evaluación del sulfato de magnesio en el tratamiento del broncoespasmo / Assessment of magnesium sulfate in bronchospasm treatment

Introducción: Una de las urgencias más temidas durante la instrumentación de la vía respiratoria es el broncoespasmo. El sulfato de magnesio, administrado por vía endovenosa, tiene un efecto broncodilatador al antagonizar los canales del calcio, inhibir la contracción muscular mediada por el calcio y favorecer la relajación del músculo liso bronquial. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia del sulfato de magnesio endovenoso en pacientes con broncoespasmo durante broncoscopias. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en 20 pacientes, con broncoespasmo, desencadenado por manipulación de la vía respiratoria con broncoscopio flexible, tratados con sulfato de magnesio 50 mg/kg, (máximo 2 g), por vía endovenosa durante 5 min. Resultados: Predominaron los hombres entre 50-59 años (75 por ciento), todos los pacientes eran fumadores, 15 pacientes fueron clasificados como estado físico ASA III. Sufrieron broncoespasmo de intensidad moderada 60 por ciento, clasificado según la clínica y monitorización de SpO2. En 75 por ciento de los pacientes cedió el broncoespasmo tras el tratamiento sin administrar otro medicamento. No se registraron efectos adversos. Ningún paciente necesitó intubación orotraqueal para ventilación ni requirió hospitalización por más de 8 h. Conclusiones: El sulfato de magnesio es una buena opción farmacológica para el tratamiento de urgencia del broncoespasmo desencadenado por manipulación de la vía respiratoria(AU)

Introduction: One of the most feared emergencies during the instrumentation of the respiratory tract is bronchospasm. Magnesium sulfate, administered intravenously, has a bronchodilation effect by antagonizing calcium channels, inhibiting muscle contraction mediated by calcium and promoting bronchial smooth muscle relaxation. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of magnesium sulfate administered intravenously in patients with bronchospasm during bronchoscopy. Methods: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study carried out with 20 patients, with bronchospasm, triggered by airway manipulation with flexible bronchoscope, treated with 50 mg/kg of magnesium sulfate, (maximum 2 g), administered intravenously for 5 min. Results: Men between 50-59 years (75 percent) predominated. All patients were smokers. 15 patients were classified with physical state ASA III. They suffered bronchospasm of mild intensity 60 percent, classified according to the clinic and monitoring of oxygen saturation. In 75 percent of the patients, the bronchospasm ceased after the treatment without administering any other medication. No adverse effects were recorded. No patient needed orotracheal intubation for ventilation or required hospitalization for more than 8 hours. Conclusions: Magnesium sulfate is a good pharmacological option for the emergency treatment of bronchospasm triggered by manipulation of the respiratory tract(AU)

A comparison between the Disposcope endoscope and fibreoptic bronchoscope for nasotracheal intubation: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Nasotracheal intubation (NTI) is frequently performed for oral and maxillofacial surgeries. This study evaluated whether NTI is easier when guided by Disposcope endoscopy or fibreoptic bronchoscopy. METHODS: Sixty patients (30 per group) requiring NTI were randomly assigned to undergo fibreoptic bronchoscopy-guided (fibreoptic group) or Disposcope endoscope-guided (Disposcope group) NTI. The NTI time, which was defined as the time from when the fibreoptic bronchoscope or aseptic suction catheter was inserted into the nasal cavity to the time at which the tracheal tube was correctly inserted through the glottis, was recorded. Epistaxis was evaluated by direct laryngoscopy five minutes after completing NTI and was scored as one of four grades according to the following modified criteria: no epistaxis, mild epistaxis, moderate epistaxis, and severe epistaxis. RESULTS: The time to complete NTI was significantly longer in the fibreoptic group than in the Disposcope group (38.4 s vs 24.1 s; mean difference, 14.2 s; 95% confidence interval (CI), 10.4 to 18.1). Mild epistaxis was observed in 8 patients in the fibreoptic group and in 7 patients in the Disposcope group (26.7% vs 23.3%, respectively; relative risk, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.4 to 3.9), though no moderate or severe epistaxis occurred in either group. Furthermore, no obvious nasal pain was reported by any of the patients at any time point after extubation (P = 0.74). CONCLUSION: NTI can be completed successfully using either fibreoptic bronchoscopy or Disposcope endoscope as a guide without any severe complications. However, compared to fibreoptic bronchoscopy, Disposcope endoscope requires less execution time (the NTI time). TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical research was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( www.chictr.org.cn , ChiCTR-IPR-17011462, date of registration, May 2017).

Bronchoalveolar lavage with pediatric flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope in pediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplant patients: Nursing considerations for operative complications.

PURPOSE: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with pediatric flexible fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FB) is used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in pediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients with pulmonary complications. The aim of our study was to evaluate complications in pediatric HSCT patients undergoing BAL/FB and to explore the nursing emphases on complications. DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective, case-controlled study to evaluate perioperative complications of HSCT children. BAL/FB was conducted for 42 children with HSCT who experienced pulmonary complications between January 2017 and January 2018 within a tertiary hospital. Forty patients diagnosed with general pneumonia were randomly selected during the same period and served as the control group. We analyzed the signs and symptoms of all patients and compared the operative complications between the two groups. Furthermore, we presented the methods used to manage complications. RESULTS: The presence of cough, lung rales, and imaging findings in the HSCT patients was significantly different from that of the control group (p < 0.0001). The complication rate was 66.67% (28/42) in the HSCT group and 22.5% (9/40) in the control group, and the difference was significant (p < 0.0001). Twelve out of 42 HSCT patients experienced airway mucosal bleeding (28.57%), and six had transient fever (14.29%). The topical use of epinephrine diluted saline (1:10,000) was highly effective for controlling airway mucosal bleeding without causing fluctuations in blood pressure. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: There were more perioperative complications in the HSCT patients than in the general pneumonia patients who underwent BAL/FB. Airway mucosal bleeding was a key focus of perioperative nursing in HSCT patients undergoing bronchoscopy as main complication. BAL with the use of epinephrine diluted saline (1:10,000) effectively decreased airway mucosal bleeding.

A method for addressing right upper lobe obstruction with right-sided double-lumen endobronchial tubes during surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A right-sided double-lumen tube (R-DLT) tends to obstruct the right upper lobe intraoperatively due to anatomical distortion during surgery. If the R-DLT is poorly matched with the patient's airway anatomy, it will not be possible to correctly replace the tube with a fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB). In our study, we aimed to explore an efficient method for difficult repositioning caused by right upper lobe occlusion during surgery: repositioning the R-DLT from the right main bronchus into the left main bronchus. The current study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of this method. METHODS: Sixty adult patients scheduled to undergo left-sided thoracic surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. With the patient in the right lateral position during surgery, the R-DLT was pulled back to the trachea while being rotated 90° clockwise; it was then either rotated 90° clockwise for placement into the left main bronchus (Group L) or rotated 90° anticlockwise and returned to the right main bronchus (Group R) using FOB guidance. The primary outcomes included clinical performance, which was measured by intubation time, and the quality of lung collapse. A secondary outcome was safety, which was determined according to bronchial injury and vocal cord injury. RESULTS: The median intubation time (IQR [range]) required for placement of a R-DLT into the left main bronchus was shorter than the time required for placement into the right main bronchus (15.0 s [IQR, 12.0 to 20.0 s]) vs 23.5 s [IQR, 14.5 to 65.8 s], P = 0.005). The groups showed comparable overall results for the quality of lung collapse during the total period of one-lung ventilation (P = 1.000). The numbers of patients with bronchial injuries or vocal cord injuries were also comparable between groups (Group R, 11/30 vs. Group L 8/30, P = 0.580 for bronchus injuries; Group R, 15/30 vs. Group L 13/30, P = 0.796 for vocal cord injuries). CONCLUSIONS: Repositioning a R-DLT from the right main bronchus into the left main bronchus had good clinical performance without causing additional injury. This may be an efficient method for the difficult repositioning of a R-DLT due to right upper lobe occlusion during surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IPR-15006933 , registered on 15 August 2015.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration: Safe as it sounds.

Real-time endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has earned its place as a standard of care in the evaluation of mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. It is a minimally invasive and a safe procedure with high diagnostic accuracy and efficacy. The increased usage of EBUS-TBNA worldwide has thrown light on its possible complications including death. The complications range from minor to life threatening in few and may occur either early or later in the course after the procedure. The present review summarizes the reported complications from EBUS-TBNA, their outcome and the modalities used for their management.

Awake tracheal intubation in anticipated difficult airways: LMA Fastrach vs flexible bronchoscope: A pilot study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of LMA Fastrach intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) to flexible bronchoscopy (FB) for awake intubation in patients with difficult airways. DESIGN: Randomized prospective study. SETTING: Large academic medical center. PATIENTS: Forty adult patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists I-IV, meeting the criteria for awake intubation based on history and physical examination. INTERVENTIONS: After sedation and airway topicalization, patients were randomized to either FB group, n=19, or ILMA group, n=21. All intubations were performed by or under the supervision of an attending anesthesiologists, with variable participation of residents or certified registered nurse anesthetists. A maximum of three attempts were permitted with the assigned technique, to be followed by the alternative method in case of failure. MEASUREMENTS: Times to carbon dioxide (end-tidal carbon dioxide) detection, endotracheal tube placement, number of attempts, training level of operator, and adverse events were recorded. Blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate were measured. Patients were interviewed the following day regarding their experience and satisfaction. MAIN RESULTS: Overall intubation success rate within three attempts was 95% for both groups. However, successful intubation on the first attempt occurred at a significantly higher rate with ILMA vs FB (95% vs 58%; P=.0028). Total mean time to endotracheal tube placement was also significantly shorter in the ILMA group vs FB (92 vs 246 seconds; P=.0001). There were no adverse events in either group, and patient satisfaction was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Awake intubation can be performed successfully and expeditiously with the use of LMA Fastrach in patients with a difficult airway and no contraindication to a blind technique. It compared favorably to the use of the fiberoptic bronchoscope in the patient cohort presented in this study.

Complications of Convex-Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Infrequent serious complications of convex-probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) have been reported. The aim of this study was to assess serious complications related to convex-probe EBUS-TBNA and to determine the complication rate in a large group of subjects. METHODS: In this retrospective study, a 15-item questionnaire on features of cases with EBUS-TBNA complications was sent to experienced bronchoscopists performing convex-probe EBUS-TBNA at 3 pulmonary centers. The medical records were then reviewed by these bronchoscopists to complete the questionnaire. Hemorrhage responsive to topical treatment, temporary laryngospasm/bronchospasm, transient oxygen desaturation, and fever lasting <24 h were excluded. Only complications requiring further treatment/intervention were considered serious. The rate of serious complications was calculated from the obtained data. RESULTS: In a total of 3,123 cases within a 5-y period, EBUS-TBNA was performed for staging lung cancer in 15.8%, diagnosis in 67.5%, and diagnosis and staging in 16.3%. Of the 3,123, 11.6% had parenchymal lesions adjacent to major airways. EBUS-TBNA was performed 11,753 times (3.76/case) at 6,115 lymph node stations and lesions (1.92/station or lesion). Five serious complications were recorded (0.16%): fever lasting >24 h, infection of bronchogenic cyst, mediastinal abscess, pericarditis, and pneumomediastinitis with empyema, each in one case. Four complications occurred in cases diagnosed with benign disease by EBUS-TBNA. All complications were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Four subjects were hospitalized for 21.7 ± 20.7 d. CONCLUSIONS: Convex-probe EBUS-TBNA is a safe method in general. However, serious complications, including infections, can be encountered rarely. All precautions should be taken for complications before and during the procedure.

Reducing the number of rigid bronchoscopies performed in suspected foreign body aspiration cases via the use of chest computed tomography: is it safe? A literature review.

BACKGROUND: Foreign body aspiration is common and potentially life threatening. Although rigid bronchoscopy has the potential for serious complications, it is the 'gold standard' of diagnosis. It is used frequently in light of the inaccuracy of clinical examination and chest radiography. Computed tomography is proposed as a non-invasive alternative to rigid bronchoscopy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and safety of computed tomography used in the diagnosis of suspected foreign body aspiration, and compare this with the current gold standard, in order to examine the possibility of using computed tomography to reduce the number of diagnostic rigid bronchoscopies performed. METHOD: The study comprised a review of literature published from 1970 to 2013, using the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Embase and Medline electronic databases. RESULTS: The sensitivity for computed tomography ranged between 90 and 100 per cent, with four studies demonstrating 100 per cent sensitivity. Specificity was between 75 and 100 per cent. Radiation exposure doses averaged 2.16 mSv. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography is a sensitive and specific modality in the diagnosis of foreign body aspiration, and its future use will reduce the number of unnecessary rigid bronchoscopies.

The use of Airtraq laryngoscope versus Macintosh laryngoscope and fiberoptic bronchoscope by experienced anesthesiologists.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare the hemodynamic parameters, intubation times, upper airway trauma and postoperative sore throat scores of the patients with normal airway anatomy, intubated with the Airtraq, Macintosh laryngoscope and fiberoptic bronchoscope, by experienced anesthesiologists. METHODS: Ninety patients, scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into three groups (n = 30): Group A: Airtraq laryngoscope, Group M: Macintosh laryngoscope and Group FB: fiberoptic bronchoscope. The time to intubation and success rates were recorded. The hemodynamic parameters before and one minute after the anesthesia induction were recorded and the measurements were repeated 3, 4 and 5 minutes after the endotracheal intubation. The postoperative sore throat scores and signs of any trauma were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were not significantly different between the three groups. The mean intubation time interval did not differ between groups. Highest postoperative sore throat scores were recorded at the 6th hour post extubation. The scores were 37.6 +/- 20.9 in Group A, 13.3 +/- 16.8 in Group M and 13.6 +/- 14.0 in Group FB. The scores in Group A were significantly higher compared to other groups. The number of patients requiring additional analgesia to relieve sore throat was also significantly higher in Group A. CONCLUSION: The Airtraq laryngoscope seems to be a more traumatic airway device in the routine endotracheal intubation compared to Macintosh laryngoscope and fiberoptic bronchoscope, when used by experienced anesthesiologists. It also does not offer advantage over the first-attempt success rates, the intubation times and hemodynamic parameters.

Pseudo-outbreak of Phaeoacremonium parasiticum from a hospital ice dispenser.

In 31 patients, Phaeoacremonium parasiticum was recovered from bronchoscopy specimens (biopsies and aspirates). The pseudo-outbreak was caused by contaminated ice used to control hemorrhage during bronchoscopy and was associated with deficiencies in equipment cleaning. The bronchoscopy technique was modified, the ice dispenser was disinfected, bronchoscope reprocessing was improved, and there were no recurrences.

Wire reinforced endotracheal tube compared with Parker Flex-Tip tube for oral fiberoptic intubation: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare the Parker Flex-Tip (PFT) (group P) tube to a wire reinforced tracheal tube in two orientations, i.e., with posteriorly and anteriorly positioned tip bevels (WRP and WRA groups, respectively), for oral fiberoptic intubation. METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial, carried out at the University-affiliated hospital. Ninety adult ASA physical status I-II patients who were scheduled to undergo either ophthalmic or urologic surgery were included in the study and randomly assigned to the P, WRA, or WRP group. Our primary outcome was the difficulty in advancing the tube over the fiberscope, which was quantified in grades (0, 1, or 2). Secondary outcomes were the time to visualize the carina after inserting the scope into the mouth and the time from this point to tracheal intubation. RESULTS: Endotracheal tube (ETT) advancement was easier and faster in the WRP and P groups than in the WRA. (Successful endotracheal intubation on the first attempt 67%, 60% and 20%, respectively; P=0.03) (ETT advancement time 6.9±3.5 s, and 8±3.1 s, 11.7±4.6, respectively; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Advancement of the ETT over a fiberoptic bronchoscope was easier with the PFT tube and with a posteriorly positioned wire-reinforced tube than with an anteriorly positioned wire-reinforced tube.

The potential regimen of target-controlled infusion of propofol in flexible bronchoscopy sedation: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Target-controlled infusion (TCI) provides precise pharmacokinetic control of propofol concentration in the effect-site (Ce), eg. brain. This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and optimal TCI regimen for flexible bronchoscopy (FB) sedation. METHODS: After alfentanil bolus, initial induction Ce of propofol was targeted at 2 µg/ml. Patients were randomized into three titration groups (i.e., by 0.5, 0.2 and 0.1 µg/ml, respectively) to maintain stable sedation levels and vital signs. Adverse events, frequency of adjustments, drug doses, and induction and recovery times were recorded. RESULTS: The study was closed early due to significantly severe hypoxemia events (oxyhemoglobin saturation <70%) in the group titrated at 0.5 µg/ml. Forty-nine, 49 and 46 patients were enrolled into the 3 respective groups before study closure. The proportion of patients with hypoxemia events differed significantly between groups (67.3 vs. 46.9 vs. 41.3%, p = 0.027). Hypotension events, induction and recovery time and propofol doses were not different. The Ce of induction differed significantly between groups (2.4±0.5 vs. 2.1±0.4 vs. 2.1±0.3 µg/ml, p = 0.005) and the Ce of procedures was higher at 0.5 µg/ml titration (2.4±0.5 vs. 2.1±0.4 vs. 2.2±0.3 µg/ml, p = 0.006). The adjustment frequency tended to be higher for titration at 0.1 µg/ml but was not statistically significant (2 (0∼6) vs. 3 (0∼6) vs. 3 (0∼11)). Subgroup analysis revealed 14% of all patients required no further adjustment during the whole sedation. Comparing patients requiring at least one adjustment with those who did not, they were observed to have a shorter induction time (87.6±34.9 vs. 226.9±147.9 sec, p<0.001), a smaller induction dose and Ce (32.5±4.1 vs. 56.8±22.7 mg, p<0.001; 1.76±0.17 vs. 2.28 ±0.41, p<0.001, respectively), and less hypoxemia and hypotension (15.8 vs.56.9%, p = 0.001; 0 vs. 24.1%, p = 0.008, respectively). CONCLUSION: Titration at 0.5 µg/ml is risky for FB sedation. A subgroup of patients required no more TCI adjustment with fewer complications. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal regimen of TCI for FB sedation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01101477.