High-frequency jet ventilation in interventional bronchoscopy: factors with predictive value on high-frequency jet ventilation complications

Management of Anesthesia for Procedures in the Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory

The complexity of cardiac electrophysiology procedures has increased significantly over the past three decades. Anesthesia requirements of these procedures can be different based on patient- and procedure-specific factors. This manuscript outlines various anesthesia strategies for cardiac implantable electronic devices and electrophysiology procedures including pre-procedural, procedural and post-procedural management. A team-based approach with collaboration between cardiac electrophysiologists and anesthesiologists is required with careful pre-procedural and intra-procedural planning. Given the recent advances in electrophysiology, there is a need for specialized cardiac electrophysiology anesthesia care to improve the efficacy and safety of the procedures.

Recovery and safety with prolonged high-frequency jet ventilation for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: A hospital registry study from a New England healthcare network

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To investigate post-procedural recovery as well as peri-procedural respiratory and hemodynamic safety parameters with prolonged use of high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) versus conventional ventilation in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

DESIGN

Hospital registry study.

SETTING

Tertiary academic teaching hospital in New England.

PATIENTS

1822 patients aged 18 years and older undergoing catheter ablation between January 2013 and June 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

HFJV versus conventional mechanical ventilation.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay. In secondary analyses we assessed the effect of HFJV on intra-procedural hypoxemia, defined as the occurrence of peripheral hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) <90%, post-procedural respiratory complications (PRC) as well as intra-procedural hypocarbia and hypotension. Multivariable negative binomial and logistic regression analyses, adjusted for patient and procedural characteristics, were applied.

MAIN RESULTS

1157 patients (63%) received HFJV for a median (interquartile range [IQR]) duration of 307 (253-360) minutes. The median (IQR) length of stay in the PACU was 244 (172-370) minutes in patients who underwent ablation with conventional mechanical ventilation and 226 (163-361) minutes in patients receiving HFJV. In adjusted analyses, patients undergoing HFJV had a longer PACU length of stay (adjusted absolute difference: 37.7 min; 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.7-65.8; p = 0.008). There was a higher risk of intra-procedural hypocarbia (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] 5.90; 95%CI 2.63-13.23; p < 0.001) and hypotension (ORadj 1.88; 95%CI 1.31-2.72; p = 0.001) in patients undergoing HFJV. No association was found between the use of HFJV and intra-procedural hypoxemia or PRC (p = 0.51, and p = 0.97, respectively).

CONCLUSION

After confounder adjustment, HFJV for catheter ablation procedures for treatment of atrial fibrillation was associated with a longer length of stay in the PACU. It was further associated with an increased risk of intra-procedural abnormalities including abnormal carbon dioxide homeostasis, as well as intra-procedural arterial hypotension.

2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation

In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asia Pacific HRS, and the Latin American HRS.

2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation

In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society.

High-Frequency Jet Ventilation Versus Spontaneous Respiration for Percutaneous Cryoablation of Lung Tumors: Comparison of Adverse Events and Procedural Efficiency

BACKGROUND. High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) facilitates accurate probe placement in percutaneous ablation of lung tumors but may increase risk for adverse events, including systemic air embolism. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare major adverse events and procedural efficiency of percutaneous lung ablation with HFJV under general anesthesia to spontaneous respiration (SR) under moderate sedation. METHODS. This retrospective study included consecutive adults who underwent CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation of one or more lung tumors with HFJV or SR between January 1, 2017, and May 31, 2023. We compared major adverse events (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade ≥ 3) within 30 days postprocedure and hospital length of stay (HLOS) of 2 days or more using logistic regression analysis. We compared procedure time, room time, CT guidance acquisition time, CT guidance radiation dose, total radiation dose, and pneumothorax using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS. Overall, 139 patients (85 women, 54 men; median age, 68 years) with 310 lung tumors (82% metastases) underwent 208 cryoablations (HFJV, n = 129; SR, n = 79). HFJV showed greater rates than SR for the treatment of multiple tumors per session (43% vs 19%, respectively; p = .02) and tumors in a nonperipheral location (48% vs 24%, p < .001). Major adverse event rate was 8% for HFJV and 5% for SR (p = .46). No systemic air embolism occurred. HLOS was 2 days or more in 17% of sessions and did not differ significantly between HFJV and SR (p = .64), including after adjusting for probe number per session, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and operator experience (p = .53). Ventilation modalities showed no significant difference in procedure time, CT guidance acquisition time, CT guidance radiation dose, or total radiation dose (all p > .05). Room time was longer for HFJV than SR (median, 154 vs 127 minutes, p < .001). For HFJV, the median anesthesia time was 136 minutes. Ventilation modalities did not differ in the frequencies of pneumothorax or pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement (both p > .05). CONCLUSION. HFJV appears to be as safe as SR but had longer room times. HFJV can be used in complex cases without significantly impacting HLOS of 2 days or more, procedure time, or radiation exposure. CLINICAL IMPACT. Selection of the ventilation modality during percutaneous lung ablation should be based on patient characteristics and anticipated procedural requirements as well as operator preference.

2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation

In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society .

Safety of High-Frequency Jet Ventilation During Image-Guided Thermal Ablation Procedures

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous thermal ablative technique is a common radiological procedure for malignant lesions treatment. Controlled assisted ventilation during general anesthesia is the usual mode of ventilation, but high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) can be a helpful alternative for the operator. The objective was to evaluate the safety of HFJV during thermal ablation procedures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This monocentric prospective analysis included adult patients undergoing percutaneous thermal ablation procedures for abdominal tumor performed under HFJV. Procedures with a transpulmonary path were excluded. The primary outcome was the incidence of respiratory complications. Secondary outcomes included gas exchange modifications (hypercapnia, hypoxemia, pulmonary atelectasis) and the incidence of barotrauma.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included during the study period. The mean duration time was 88 min. All procedures went according to the protocol and there was no respiratory complication. There was no barotrauma event. Three patients had an exhaled capnia above 45 mmHg at the end of the procedure which normalized within 10 min of conventional ventilation.

CONCLUSION

HFJV during thermal ablation procedures is safe regarding gas exchange and barotrauma. This technique could be an interesting alternative to conventional ventilation during image-guided thermal ablation procedures. Clinical Trials database This study was registered in Clinical Trials database (NCT04209608).

Clinical study of multifunctional laryngeal mask in airway interventional therapy

OBJECTIVE

This study is conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using multifunctional intubation laryngeal masks with normal frequency jet ventilation in airway interventional therapy.

METHODS

A total of 200 patients receiving airway interventional therapy were enrolled in this retrospective study and were divided into 2 groups (group M and group P) by doctors in our hospital to compare the effect of different laryngeal masks. Group M used common laryngeal masks and an anesthesia machine for positive pressure ventilation while group P took multifunctional intubation laryngeal masks and used a jet ventilator for normal frequency jet ventilation. The patients' mean arterial pressure, heart rate, arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2), and the operation time, recovery score and the patients' and doctors' satisfaction levels were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Both groups were hemodynamically stable, and their PaO2 levels were significantly higher before the operation than that during and after the operation (P < .05). Compared with group M, the PaCO2 level of group P was more stable both during and after the operation, and this difference was statistically significant (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of the 2 group's operating time, recovery score, and patients' satisfaction levels (P > .05). However, the satisfaction levels of doctors in group P were higher than that in group M, and this difference was statistically significant (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

As statistics show, the intraoperative hemodynamics and PaO2 and PaCO2 levels were stable, and patients, surgeons and anesthesia operators were satisfied. Therefore, it is feasible to apply multifunctional intubation laryngeal masks with normal frequency jet ventilation in airway interventional therapy and it is a safe and ideal way to ensure ventilation.

A multi-centre prospective random control study of superimposed high-frequency jet ventilation and conventional jet ventilation for interventional bronchoscopy

Introduction: Superimposed high-frequency jet ventilation (SHFJV) is a new type of jet ventilation that simultaneously uses high- and low-frequency types of jet ventilation. We compared SHFJV with the conventional high-frequency jet ventilation (CHFJV) in interventional bronchoscopy in terms of safety and effectiveness. Methods: A multi-centre prospective random single-blind clinical trial was conducted by three interventional bronchoscopy centres. Patients who underwent diagnostic or therapeutic bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia were admitted and divided into two groups: SHFJV group (trial group) and CHFJV group (control group). PaO2 and PaCO2 were recorded before anaesthesia and during and after the procedure. SpO2 and etCO2 were recorded every 10 min throughout the procedure. Patients were observed until 24 h post-bronchoscopy. Results: Sixty patients were included in the study. Twenty-nine were in the trial group, and 31 were in the control group. Both groups had no significant differences in demographic data. In the control group, the PaO2 measured in the operation was higher than that in the trial group (p = 0.023). The values of etCO2 in the control group were more dispersed than those of the trial group. When the procedure time was over 90 minutes, the etCO2 in the control group significantly increased (p = 0.01), while the etCO2 in trial group remained stable (p = 0.594). There were more patients with PaCO2 ≥ 50 mmHg during the procedure in the control group than in the trial group (p = 0.042). Conclusion: SHFJV is effective and safe in interventional bronchoscopy. It may provide more effective and stabilised ventilation than CHFJV in cases with long procedure times.

Low Pressure Low Frequency Jet Ventilation: Techniques, Safety and Complications

OBJECTIVE

Manual jet ventilation is a specialized oxygenation and ventilation technique that is not available in all facilities due to lack of technical familiarity and fear of complications. The objective is to review our center's 15 year experience with low pressure low frequency jet ventilation (LPLFJV).

METHODS

Retrospective review of procedures utilizing LPLFJV from 2005 to 2019 were performed collecting patient demographic, surgery type and complications. Fisher exact test, Chi square, and t-test were used to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS

Four hundred fifty-seven patients underwent a total of 891 microlaryngeal surgeries-279 cases for voice disorders, 179 for lesions, and 433 for airway stenosis. The peak jet pressure for all cases did not exceed 20 psi and average peak pressure for the last 100 procedures in this case series was 14.9 ± 4.6 psi. The average lowest oxygen saturation for all cases was 95% ± 0.6%. Brief intubation was required in 154 cases (17%). Surgical duration was significantly longer for cases requiring intubation P < .001. The need for intubation was not associated with smoking or cardiopulmonary disease, but was strongly associated with body mass index (BMI). Intubation rates were 7% for normal weight (BMI < 25, N = 216), 13% for overweight (BMI 25-30, N = 282), 24% for obese (BMI 30-40, N = 342), and 37% for morbidly obese (BMI > 40, N = 52) patients. Three patients developed respiratory distress in the recovery unit and 2 patients required intubation.

CONCLUSION

LPLFJV assisted by intermittent endotracheal intubation is an exceedingly safe and effective intraoperative oxygenation and ventilationmodality for a broad variety of laryngeal procedure.

High Frequency Jet Ventilation during stereotactic ablation of liver tumours: an observational study on blood gas analysis as a measure of lung function during general anaesthesia

Background: Stereotactic ablation of tumours in solid organs is a promising curative procedure in clinical oncology. The technique demands minimal target organ movements to optimise tumour destruction and prevent injury to surrounding tissues. High frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is a novel option during these procedures, reducing the respiratory-associated movements of the liver. The effects of HFJV via endotracheal catheter on gas exchange during liver tumour ablation is not well studied. Methods: The aim of this explorative study was to assess lung function and the effects on blood gas and lactate during HFJV in patients undergoing stereotactic liver ablation. Blood gases were analysed in 25 patients scheduled for stereotactic liver ablation under general anaesthesia pre-induction, every 15 minutes during HFJV and following extubation in the recovery room. The HFJV was set at fixed settings. Results: None of the patients developed hypoxia or signs of increased lactate production but a great variation in PaO 2/FiO 2 ratio was found; from 13.1 to 71.3. An increase in mean PaCO 2 was observed, from a baseline of 5.0 to a peak of 7.1 at 30 minutes (p <0.001) and a decrease was found in median pH, from a baseline of 7.44 to 7.31 at 15 minutes (p=0.03). We could not see any clear association between a decrease in PaO 2/FiO 2 ratio and PaCO 2 elevation. Conclusions: HFJV during general anaesthesia in patients undergoing stereotactic liver ablation is feasible and it did not cause hypoxemia or signs of increased lactate production. A reversible mild to moderate impairment of gas exchange was found during HFJV.

Application of Micro-Tech stents in malignant carinal stenosis

Malignant carinal stenosis is a disease process that is not always suitable for treatment with a Y-shaped stent. When one of the main bronchi is completely obstructed and cannot be recanalized, or its distal lung tissue has lost function, inserting a Y-shaped stent is infeasible. In this complex condition, a cone-shaped stent is selected to maintain the patency of the trachea and the other main bronchus. The efficacy of the bare cone-shaped Micro-Tech stent to treat malignant carinal stenosis was evaluated in the current study. The medical records of 47 patients with malignant carinal stenosis who underwent Micro-Tech stent placement between January 2004 and October 2017 in Beijing Tian Tan Hospital (Beijing, China) were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 47 bare Micro-Tech stents (28 Y-shaped and 19 cone-shaped) were successfully inserted in the patients. Following stent placement, immediate satisfactory results were achieved in all patients, especially an improvement of dyspnea (100%), cough (81.1%) and stridor (100%). The Karnofsky scores were significantly increased (P<0.001), and the American Thoracic Society Dyspnea Index values were significantly decreased (P<0.001). Following a median of 88 days, initial bronchoscopic interventions were performed for tumor overgrowth (84.6%), stent fracture (7.7%) and granulation tissue (7.7%). Restenting was performed in two patients due to tumor progression (n=1) and stent fracture (n=1). Removal of a Y-shaped stent was attempted in one patient, but failed, as the stent had become partly embedded in the airway mucosa. In conclusion, cone-shaped Micro-Tech stent placement maintained tracheal-unilateral main bronchus patency and benefitted patients with malignant carinal stenosis in whom Y-shaped stents were not suitable for insertion.

High-Frequency Jet Ventilation in Nonintubated Patients

OBJECTIVES

High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is a convenient method for providing ventilation during fiberoptic bronchoscopy. We describe an incipient approach of high-frequency jet ventilation via the working channel of a flexible bronchoscope for nonintubated patients who suffer from hypoxemia during bronchoscopy. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of this incipient approach and determine the possible complications related to it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen patients who had oxygen saturation below 70% that did not resolve with nasal oxygen for 20 s during interventional bronchoscopy were included in the study. High-frequency jet ventilation was administrated via the working channel of a bronchoscope for 3 min. Arterial blood gas circumscriptions were compared before and after jet ventilation.

RESULTS

Oxygen saturation increased to >90% in all patients 30 s after jet ventilation. Mean arterial oxygen saturation pressure increased from 54.84 to 111.98 mmHg with jet ventilation (p=0.0001). Arterial carbon dioxide tension decreased after jet ventilation. The body mass index had no consequential effect on arterial carbon dioxide pressure after jet ventilation in our patients (p=0.1). Complications such as pneumothorax and working channel damage were not observed.

CONCLUSION

High-frequency jet ventilation via the working channel of the bronchoscope is a novel method that can provide optimal ventilation with minimal complications to nonintubated patients suffering from hypoxemia during bronchoscopy. This method also reduces the duration of bronchoscopy procedures.

Indications and complications of rigid bronchoscopy

INTRODUCTION

Rigid bronchoscopy is an invaluable tool for the management of airway disorders and an essential skill for an interventional pulmonologist. Since its introduction in the late 19th century, it has remained an important technique for the management of central airway obstruction, foreign body aspiration and massive hemoptysis. Areas covered: This article will review the history, indications, contraindication, technique and complications of rigid bronchoscopy. We will also briefly discuss the methods of anesthesia and ventilation and finally our perspective on the future of rigid bronchoscopy. Expert commentary: Although the rise of flexible bronchoscopy in the 1960s led to a decline in the use of rigid bronchoscopy, the last two decades have witnessed resurgence in its popularity. We anticipate that it will remain an important tool used by interventional pulmonologists for decades to come. We suggest that interventional pulmonologists must have training and develop expertise in this technique.

High frequency jet ventilation during endolaryngeal surgery: Risk factors for complications

Objective

Microlaryngeal surgery requires teamwork between surgeons and anesthesiologists. High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is an artificial breathing technique, preferred during endolaryngeal interventions, which offers a good solution for the requirements. Most studies investigating independent risk factors for intraoperative complications during HFJV in endolaryngeal surgery (ELS) has been retrospective and not standardized and the anesthetic approach has not been standardized. This prospective cohort study aimed to identify risk factors of complications related to HFJV in ELS under a standardized anesthesia regimen.

Methods

243 patients who underwent ELS with infraglottic HFJV were investigated. Infraglottic jet ventilation catheter was placed and anesthesia was standardized. Demographic and operative data were noted. Hemodynamics, SpO2 and end-tidal CO2 were recorded at regular intervals. Complications such as hemodynamic disturbances, respiratory problems, barotrauma, equipment failure and requirement for conventional ventilation were also documented.

Results

222 patients were included. Hypoxia, hypercapnia and the need for intubation were observed in 20(9%), 4(1.8%), 10(4.5%) patients. Bradycardia, hypotension and arrhythmia were observed in six (2.7%), 24(10.8%), and four (1.8%) patients respectively. Respiratory complications were associated with body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001, OR: 1.57, 95%CI: 1.31–1.88) and previous major airway surgery (p < 0.001, OR: 34.0, 95%CI:3.52–328.24), whereas hemodynamic complications were associated with duration of the operation (p = 0.034, OR:1.04, 95%CI:1.0–1.09) and history of previous major airway surgery (p = 0.005, OR:9.57, 95%CI:1.97–46.49).

Conclusion

Infraglottic HFJV can be evaluated as an alternative breathing technique to conventional ventilation during endolaryngeal interventions. However, longer operation and previous laryngeal surgeries can increase the incidence of respiratory complications.

Jet Ventilation during Rigid Bronchoscopy in Adults: A Focused Review

The indications for rigid bronchoscopy for interventional pulmonology have increased and include stent placements and transbronchial cryobiopsy procedures. The shared airway between anesthesiologist and pulmonologist and the open airway system, requiring specific ventilation techniques such as jet ventilation, need a good understanding of the procedure to reduce potentially harmful complications. Appropriate adjustment of the ventilator settings including pause pressure and peak inspiratory pressure reduces the risk of barotrauma. High frequency jet ventilation allows adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal even in cases of tracheal stenosis up to frequencies of around 150 min⁻¹; however, in an in vivo animal model, high frequency jet ventilation along with normal frequency jet ventilation (superimposed high frequency jet ventilation) has been shown to improve oxygenation by increasing lung volume and carbon dioxide removal by increasing tidal volume across a large spectrum of frequencies without increasing barotrauma. General anesthesia with a continuous, intravenous, short-acting agent is safe and effective during rigid bronchoscopy procedures.

Complications Following Therapeutic Bronchoscopy for Malignant Central Airway Obstruction: Results of the AQuIRE Registry

BACKGROUND

There are significant variations in how therapeutic bronchoscopy for malignant airway obstruction is performed. Relatively few studies have compared how these approaches affect the incidence of complications.

METHODS

We used the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) Quality Improvement Registry, Evaluation, and Education (AQuIRE) program registry to conduct a multicenter study of patients undergoing therapeutic bronchoscopy for malignant central airway obstruction. The primary outcome was the incidence of complications. Secondary outcomes were incidence of bleeding, hypoxemia, respiratory failure, adverse events, escalation in level of care, and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Fifteen centers performed 1,115 procedures on 947 patients. There were significant differences among centers in the type of anesthesia (moderate vs deep or general anesthesia, P < .001), use of rigid bronchoscopy (P < .001), type of ventilation (jet vs volume cycled, P < .001), and frequency of stent use (P < .001). The overall complication rate was 3.9%, but significant variation was found among centers (range, 0.9%-11.7%; P = .002). Risk factors for complications were urgent and emergent procedures, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score > 3, redo therapeutic bronchoscopy, and moderate sedation. The 30-day mortality was 14.8%; mortality varied among centers (range, 7.7%-20.2%, P = .02). Risk factors for 30-day mortality included Zubrod score > 1, ASA score > 3, intrinsic or mixed obstruction, and stent placement.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of moderate sedation and stents varies significantly among centers. These factors are associated with increased complications and 30-day mortality, respectively.

Effect of Acute Hypercapnia on Outcomes and Predictive Risk Factors for Complications among Patients Receiving Bronchoscopic Interventions under General Anesthesia

Background

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of acute hypercapnia on surgery outcomes among patients receiving bronchoscopic interventions under general anesthesia. Furthermore, independent predictive factors for surgery complications were analyzed.

Method

A total of 323 patients with airway stenosis were enrolled in this retrospective study. Each patient underwent interventional rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia. Arterial blood gas (ABG) was measured intraoperatively. In light of PaCO₂ levels in ABG, patients were divided into three groups: Group C (control) (PaCO₂:≤ 60 mmHg), Group M (moderate) (PaCO₂:61–100 mmHg), and Group S (severe) (PaCO₂: >100 mmHg). Parameters, including PaO₂ levels and recovery delays, were compared across three groups. Complications among patients receiving bronchoscopic interventions were evaluated as well. Independent predictive factors for surgery related complications were analyzed by multivariable regression method.

Results

Significant differences in weight (p=0.04), ASA IV (p=0.008), dyspnea index (p=0.003),COPD (p=0.02), dynamic airway collapse (p=0.002), severe stenosis severity (p=0.02), and stenosis locations among three groups were observed. Mild (PaCO₂:~60 mmHg) to moderate (PaCO₂:60–100 mmHg) hypercapnia was not associated with delayed recovery, whereas severe hypercapnia (PaCO₂:>100 mmHg) was associated with delayed recovery, as well as declined PaO₂ (p=0.00) and elevated blood glucose levels (p=0.00). The complications of bronchoscopic interventions included postoperative congestive heart failure (14 cases, 4.3%), tracheorrhagia (8 cases, 2.5%), delayed recovery (19 cases, 5.9%), and transfers to ICU after surgery (10 cases, 3.1%). The multivariable regression analysis showed that procedure duration (p=0.003), lobectomy (p=0.007), dynamic airway collapse (p=0.01), severe bronchial stenosis (p=0.01) and hypercapnia (p=0.02) were independent predictive factors for surgery related complications.

Conclusions

Acute hypercapnia lower than 100 mmHg was not associated with detrimental consequences, whereas severe hypercapnia (PaCO₂: >100 mmHg) was associated with lower levels of PaO₂. Hypercapnia was an independent predictive factor for bronchoscopic intervention complication, which may help physicians to optimize the therapeutic choices.

Anesthesia for Advanced Bronchoscopic Procedures: State-of-the-Art Review

The bronchoscopic procedures have seen a remarkable increase in both numbers and complexity. Although many anesthesia providers have kept pace with the challenge, the practice is varied and frequently suboptimal. Shared airway during bronchoscopy poses unique challenges. The available reviews have tried to address this lacuna; however, these have frequently dealt with the technical aspects of bronchoscopy than anesthetic challenges. The present review provides evidence-based management insights into anesthesia for bronchoscopy-both flexible and rigid. A systematic approach toward pre-procedural evaluation and risk stratification is presented. The possible anatomical and physiological factors that can influence the outcomes are discussed. Pharmacological principles guiding sedation levels and appropriate selection of sedatives form the crux of safe anesthetic management. The newer and safer drugs that can have potential role in anesthesia for bronchoscopy in the near future are discussed. Ventilatory strategies during bronchoscopy for prevention of hypoxia and hypercarbia are emphasized.

High-frequency jet ventilation under general anesthesia facilitates CT-guided lung tumor thermal ablation compared with normal respiration under conscious analgesic sedation

PURPOSE

To determine whether technical difficulty of computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous lung tumor thermal ablations is altered with the use of high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) under general anesthesia (GA) compared with procedures performed with normal respiration (NR) under conscious sedation (CS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thermal ablation treatment sessions performed with NR under CS or HFJV under GA with available anesthesia records and CT fluoroscopic images were retrospectively reviewed; 13 and 33 treatment sessions, respectively, were identified. One anesthesiologist determined the choice of anesthesiologic technique independently. Surrogate measures of procedure technical difficulty--time duration, number of CT fluoroscopic acquisitions, and radiation dose required for applicator placement for each tumor--were compared between anesthesiologic techniques. The anesthesiologist time and complications were also compared. Parametric and nonparametric data were compared by Student independent-samples t test and χ(2) test, respectively.

RESULTS

Patients treated with HFJV under GA had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classifications (mean, 2.66 vs 2.23; P = .009) and smaller lung tumors (16.09 mm vs 27.38 mm; P = .001). The time duration (220.30 s vs 393.94 s; P = .008), number of CT fluoroscopic acquisitions (10.31 vs 19.13; P = .023), and radiation dose (60.22 mGy·cm vs 127.68 mGy·cm; P = .012) required for applicator placement were significantly lower in treatment sessions performed with HFJV under GA. There was no significant differences in anesthesiologist time (P = .20), rate of pneumothorax (P = .62), or number of pneumothoraces requiring active treatment (P = .19).

CONCLUSIONS

HFJV under GA appears to reduce technical difficulty of CT-guided percutaneous applicator placement for lung tumor thermal ablations, with similar complication rates compared with treatment sessions performed with NR under CS. The technique is safe and may facilitate treatment of technically challenging tumors.

Bronchoscopes of the twenty-first century

Over the past century, bronchoscopy has become an essential tool for pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons, who for many years have employed bronchoscopy with such therapeutic modalities as laser therapy, electrocautery, cryotherapy, and stent placement. Over the past decade, advanced imaging techniques, such as autofluoresence bronchoscopy, electromagnetic navigation, narrow-band imaging, confocal fluorescence microendoscopy, and endobronchial ultrasound, have greatly expanded the diagnostic utility of bronchoscopy. This article reviews the technological advances in the field of diagnostic bronchoscopy.