Invasive tests

2- Invasive tests:
Bronchoscopy
Either rigid or fibro-optic scope
Rigid bronchoscopy is now used only when a wider channels are required for better visualization and instrumentation such as when
• Investigating vigorous pulmonary hemorrhage (in which the rigid bronchoscope can better identify the bleeding source and, with its larger suction channel, can better suction the blood and prevent asphyxiation)
• Viewing and removing aspirated foreign bodies in young children
• Intervention to an obstructive endobronchial lesions (requiring laser debulking or stent placement)
Flexible bronchoscopes are nearly used in all other indications for:
• Direct airway visualization down to small bronchi
• Sampling of respiratory secretions and cells via bronchial washings, brushings, and lavage of peripheral airways and alveoli
• Biopsy of endobronchial, parenchymal, and mediastinal structures
• Therapeutic uses include suctioning of retained secretions, endobronchial stent placement, and balloon dilation of airway stenoses.