The Intubated Patient With Mediastinal Disease--A Role for Esophageal Access Using the Endobronchial Ultrasound Bronchoscope

Ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration using the bronchoscope with a dedicated curvilinear probe has emerged as a primary tool for the investigation of mediastinal pathology. Recently, the utility of this scope has been expanded to include access via the esophagus. In this case series, we describe a role for esophageal ultrasound using the endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscope in the diagnostic evaluation of critically ill/intubated patients with mediastinal disease. Esophageal access with the ultrasound bronchoscope allows the pulmonologist to diagnose mediastinal disease in the intubated patient with minimal risk.
Source: Journal of Intensive Care Medicine - Category: Intensive Care Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: research