Trans-FBS-channel ventilation during the flexible bronchoscope (FBS) examination in infant.

The most important problem during FBS examination in infants is respiratory care. A new ventilation method using the channel of the FBS is proposed for respiratory care during FBS examination in infants. An FBS with a channel of more than 1.2 mm in diameter was directly inserted into the trachea under general anaesthesia without an orotracheal tube. The first step of this ventilation is the flushing of pure O2 into the lung as inspiration through the channel of the FBS. The second step is the aspiration of expiratory gas through the channel by a vacuum pump. Ventilation during the FBS examination is maintained by the repetition of these two steps by the operation of a stop-cock. Experiments in dogs, and clinical use showed that this method of respiratory care is effective and safe with certain limitations. Clinically, inspection with the FBS could be performed continuously for five minutes in most cases.