Flexible bronchoscopy has rapidly evolved in the last decade and facilitates important therapeutic interventions in Respiratory Medicine. Bronchoscopy was predominantly a diagnostic tool but now facilitates treatment of lung cancer and malignant disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe emphysema, and asthma.

Therapeutic Interventions

Lung Cancer

Tracheal and endobronchial tumors can be palliated by a numbers of bronchoscopically delivered treatments;

1. •Electrocautery or diathermy ablation
   

2. •Argon plasma photocoagulation
   

3. •Cryotherapy or cryoextraction
   

4. •Laser ablation
   

5. •Photodynamic therapy\
   

Brachytherapy can also be performed by placing catheters into the desired airways which can then be after-loaded with radiotherapy seeds.

Self expanding metallic stents usually made with Nitinol can also be placed with a flexible bronchoscope.

Emphysema

Lung volume reduction can be achieved using a number of bronchoscopic treatments. However, the appropriate technique is dependent on patient characteristics. The treatment options include;

1. •Endobronchial valves (zephyr or intrabronchial valve)
   

2. •Lung volume reduction coils
   

3. •Thermal ablation
   

4. •sealant or biological glue
   

COPD

New techniques are being developed which reduces parasympathetic tone in patients with COPD and also regenerative therapies with cryorejuvenation. The treatment options include;

1. •Targeted lung denervation
   

2. •Cryoablation (ReJuvenair Procedure)\
   

3. •Rheoplasty (pulsed electrical field treatment)
   

Asthma

Bronchial thermoplasty is a treatment which bronchoscopically reduces the amount of smooth muscle in the airways. It is a useful adjunct in the treatment of severe asthma and reduces asthma symptoms, improves quality of life and reduces the frequency of exacerbations.

Interventional Bronchoscopy Course

Now in its 20th year, this is a flexible bronchoscopy course directed by

Professor Pallav Shah, which has evolved to a modular format.

It consists of three modules;

- basic bronchoscopy

- advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy

- advanced interventional bronchoscopy.

Our vision is to help new trainees and specialists to progress from basic bronchoscopy to intermediate and advanced interventional pulmonology.

Attendees can apply to attend for one or two of the modules. The modules will cover the theoretical aspects around the relevant procedures, some hands-on simulators and recorded cases.

Books

Atlas of Bronchoscopy

This unique and comprehensive atlas by an expert practitioner provides an innovative pictorial guide to flexible bronchoscopy, one of the most exciting and challenging procedures in respiratory medicine today.

1. •Includes the very latest procedures and techniques
   

2. •Comprehensive coverage, guides you through the range of anatomical and pathological possibilities
   

3. •A step-by-step guide to the use of bronchoscopic techniques, interpretation of images and differential diagnoses
   

4. •Integrates naked eye, bronchoscopic and radiological anatomy to give you a thorough understanding of the procedure
   

5. •Numerous full colour illustrations and sound practical advice make this a key text for learning and refining your technique
   

The book will be invaluable to those training in respiratory medicine, plus also specialist respiratory nurses and practising pulmonologists who wish to expand their practice and knowledge of the technique

Essentials of Clinical Pulmonology

Comprehensive textbook on pulmonology with international collaboration of authors and editors. Contains all the essential information on lung disease with a visual style to improve lhe learning process.

Apps

There are also some apps which may help you with basic bronchoscopy anatomy through to transbronchial needle aspiration for mediastinal nodes

Research

New research in this area is included in this section. The archive contains some clinical trial protocols and new active trials with inclusion and exclusion criteria will also be found in this section.

Publications

Some of the landmark publications which have influenced the field of interventional pulmonology are included here. New publications will be added over time to build up the archive.