Role of bronchoscopy in modern medical intensive care unit

This article gives a broad overview of the increasingly important applicati ons of bronchoscopy, flexible (FOB) and rigid (RB), in a modern medical int ensive care unit. Special emphasis is made to bronchoscopy use in mechanica lly ventilated patients. Therapies such as endobronchial stenting and Nd:YA G laser are being used to improve respiratory failure and facilitate weanin g from mechanical ventilation. Practical applications of recent advancement s in technology (endobronchial stenting, laser therapy and so forth), the i ncreasing use of rigid bronchoscopy, and the new generation of flexible bro nchoscopes like battery bronchoscopes, and ultrathin bronchoscopes, are als o discussed. The risks, potential benefits, complications, and suggested te chnique of performing bronchoscopy in mechanically ventilated patients are reviewed.