Pediatric Flexible Bronchoscopy Course

Objectives

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.