Future therapeutic procedures.

Management of disorders of the tracheobronchial tree have advanced significantly since the first use of the rigid bronchoscope by Gustav Killian. The addition of the flexible bronchofiberscope by Shigeto Ikeda offered a second generation of new therapeutic opportunities. The future use of thoracic endoscopy will depend upon the application and improvement of technologies that currently exist in addition to those not yet developed. There are three current technologies which are being improved and may be applicable in the future management of diseases of the tracheobronchial tree and these include cryotherapy, electrosurgery, and photodynamic therapy.