Rigid Bronchoscopy is a procedure used to gain access to the patient's airway and allows the passage of larger airway instruments and cameras to diagnose and treat airway disease. This form of bronchoscopy is done by highly trained specialists.
Why is it used?
- It allows the pulmonary physician better airway access
- Instruments, or airway devices, can be inserted through this rigid device
- Infections, cancers, inflammatory conditions, sarcoidosis, and lymphoma can all be diagnosed by bronchoscopy
- Rigid bronchoscope can also be used to treat airway obstruction, airway narrowing (stenosis), airway cancers, bleeding, or remove foreign or aspirated objects
What Makes Rigid Bronchoscopy Different?
- Patient always requires general anesthesia
- Air (ventilation) can be delivered to the patient using the rigid scope
Benefits of Rigid Bronchoscopy
- Airway is secure during the procedure
- Allows for larger biopsies, tamponade (stop) bleeding areas, removal of airway tumor and foreign objects, and deploying airway devices, such as tracheobronchial stents to keep collapsing airways open