Thoracic Anesthesia II Flashcards
What are the main purposes of bronchoscopy?
- Visualization of airways
- Tissue biopsies
- Sputum sampling
- Hemostasis
- Object removal
- Lavage
What is an EBUS?
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) is a bronchoscope with an ultrasound probe for examining nearby lymph nodes.
What types of anesthesia are used for bronchoscopy?
- GETA/LMA (+/- paralysis)
- MAC
- TIVA
Why is TIVA preferred over volatile anesthetics for bronchoscopy?
TIVA avoids issues with anesthetic depth and operating room pollution from repeated circuit opening.
What is ION bronchoscopy?
A robotic bronchoscopy that uses imaging and robotic algorithms for precise biopsy targeting.
What are key anesthesia requirements for ION bronchoscopy?
- GETA with large ETT (size ≥ 9.0)
- low FiO2
- Room air induction
- Paralysis
- High tidal volume and PEEP
- TIVA preferred
Why is low FiO2 preferred in Ion Bronchoscopy?
By keeping FiO₂ at or below 0.8, there is enough nitrogen present in the alveoli to prevent rapid absorption of gases, maintaining alveolar patency and minimizing collapse.
Reabsorption (Absorption) Atelectasis occurs when alveoli collapse due to an imbalance in gas composition within the lungs. It typically happens when a high concentration of oxygen is used (often 100% FiO₂) because oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream faster than nitrogen can replace it in the alveoli. Since nitrogen normally helps keep alveoli open by acting as a structural “scaffold,” its absence (due to high oxygen pushing it out) leads to alveolar collapse as the oxygen diffuses away.
What is the goal of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS)?
To functionally collapse lung areas (like a lobectomy) to improve V/Q mismatch and quality of life in severe COPD.
What are some potential bronchoscopy complications?
- Mechanical damage (to teeth, lips, tongue, airways)
- Bronchospasm (may need albuterol)
- Bleeding (suction before extubation)
What is mediastinoscopy used for?
Visualization of mediastinal structures like the heart, great vessels, trachea, esophagus, thymus, and lymph nodes.
When is mediastinoscopy indicated?
- Biopsies
- Perform prior to thoractomy to stage cancer
- Diagnose infection, lymphomas, sarcoidosis
What are absolute contraindications for mediastinoscopy?
Prior mediastinoscopy due to scarring or distortion.
Name the four divisions of the mediastinum
- Superior
- Anterior
- Middle
- Posterior
Organs involved in the Superior Mediastinum
- Thymus
- Trachea
- Esophagus
Organs involved in the Anterior Mediastinum
Thymus
Organs involved in the Middle Mediastinum
- Heart
- Roots of Great Vessels
- Trachea
- Main Bronchi
Organs involved in the Posterior Mediastinum
Esophagus