rigid bronchoscopy

rigid bronchoscopy

Pulmonology Examination of the airways using a rigid bronchoscope; for most applications, a flexible bronchoscope is preferred–but when you need a cadice rectifier, you need a cadice rectifier; RB is the method of choice for retrieval of foreign bodies, and is commonly used for (1) massive hemoptysis–allowing large-bore suction devices to clear blood and allow ventilation; (2) laser therapy–more precise targeting of beam; facilitates removal of chunks of zapped tissue; (3) cryotherapy; (4) endobronchial stenting; (5) pediatric cases–they're squirmy little boogers and have thin-walled airways Cons Need for general anesthesia–read, OR time, inability to visualize distal airways, although thanks to optical telescopes, RB can be used to visualize lobar orifices and segmental bronchi. See Rigid bronchoscope. Cf Flexible bronchoscopy.