Introduction to Bronchoscopy and Bronchology

• Identify the most common indications for pediatric bronchoscopy.
• Identify the relative and absolute contraindications to flexible bronchoscopy.
• Define the characteristics of flexible and rigid bronchoscopies.
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of flexible vs. rigid instruments

Techniques for Flexible Bronchoscopy: Driving Lesson #1

• Recognize successful manipulation of a flexible bronchoscope.

Normal Endoscopic Anatomy Lab

• Describe the anatomy of the upper and lower respiratory tract, including all bronchopulmonary segments
• Recognize common anatomic variants

The Lower Airways: Normal and Abnormal Findings

• Recognize and describe the most common pathological conditions encountered in the trachea and bronchi during bronchoscopy.

Video Lab II: Case Studies of Lower Airway Problems

• Review case presentations illustrating various diagnostic entities in the lower airway.

The Upper Airways: Normal and Abnormal Findings

• Recognize and describe the most common pathological conditions encountered in the upper airways during pediatric bronchoscopy.

Video Lab III: Case Studies of Upper Airway Problems

• Review case presentations illustrating various diagnostic entities encountered in the upper airways during pediatric bronchoscopy.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL): Indications and Techniques

• List the indications for bronchoalveolar lavage in pediatric patients.
• Discuss techniques for bronchoalveolar lavage in pediatric patients.

BAL Lab

• Review the most common normal and abnormal findings from BAL and their interpretation.
• Review case studies and microscopic slides prepared from BAL specimens, illustrating a variety of common and uncommon diagnostic entities.

Rigid Bronchoscopy

• Distinguish between the relative indications and relative limitations for rigid vs. flexible bronchoscopy in infant and children.
• Describe the basic techniques for rigid bronchoscopy.
• Describe the potential benefits of performing both techniques together on the same patient, and when it is appropriate.

Pediatric Tracheostomy Management

• Discuss the indications for and technique of tracheostomy in the pediatric population.
• Discuss the management of tracheostomy tubes in pediatric patients.
• Recognize the utility of flexible bronchoscopy in the management of pediatric tracheostomy tubes.

Surgical pathology of the pediatric airway

• Discuss the surgical management of common and less common acquired and congenital abnormalities of the pediatric airway.

Practical pediatric voice and laryngology

• Review the impact of pediatric airway pathology and interventions on vocalization.
• Discuss methods to assess and modify vocalization in children.

Anesthesia and Sedation for Bronchoscopy

• Discuss the basic principles of safe and effective anesthesia/sedation for pediatric bronchoscopy.
• Discuss the physiological consequences of sedation during bronchoscopy.
• Discuss the appropriate techniques for airway management during flexible bronchoscopy.
• Discuss the major complications of pediatric flexible bronchoscopy, their prevention and management.

Special Techniques

• Review techniques and indications for endoscopic biopsy, brushing, bronchoscopic intubation, and other special procedures associated with flexible bronchoscopy in pediatric patients.

Care and feeding of flexible bronchoscopes

• Review the techniques and logistics of cleaning and maintaining flexible bronchoscopes.

Selected cases illustrating advanced technology

• Discuss several cases demonstrating advanced and interventional techniques in clinical scenarios.

Organizing and Operating a Bronchoscopy Program

• Describe the necessary setup for a flexible bronchoscopic procedure.
• Describe the importance of the endoscopy assistant and describe the assistant’s role.
• Explain the organization of a bronchoscopy program and the resources needed.

A Philosophy of Bronchoscopy and Bronchology; How do you now get to be an expert?

• Review common cognitive pitfalls in the approach to pediatric bronchoscopy.
• Review the necessary components of bronchoscopic competence and ways in which the learner can progress toward competence.