Bronchoscopy is one of the most commonly performed medical procedures and also defines the procedural practice of chest physicians and surgeons. In most training programs, however, there is little structured education and trainees learn by watching and doing. This book is intended as a roadmap for any physician looking to master or improve skills in this important area. It outlines what the authors, who are all experts in the field, think a standard approach to common procedures should be and covers everything from anatomy and equipment care to how to set up a bronchoscopy unit. Step- by-step descriptions and abundant illustrations provide the reader with detailed instructions for performing diagnostic procedures such as bronchial washing and lavage, lung biopsy, and transbronchial needle aspiration. This book also discusses bronchoscopy in the ICU and lung transplant patients. Advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy and basic therapeutic techniques are reviewed in the final two chapters.

Author Biography

Armin Ernst, MD, graduated from the University of Heidelberg and completed his residency at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio, Texas. He then completed his fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at the combined program of Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ernst is the Chief of Interventional Pulmonology and the Director of the Complex Airway Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He is a member of multiple professional associations and has received numerous awards for his work and achievements, most recently the Pasquale Ciaglia Medal in 2007 from the American College of Chest Physicians.