Office-based unsedated bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of excessive dynamic airways collapse

Abstract

Background: Excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC) is a respiratory condition characterised by >50% luminal narrowing on expiration, and is diagnosed using dynamic bronchoscopy or dynamic CT. Both tests are associated with sedation and radiation exposure risks. This case series examines the use of office-based local anaesthetic transnasal dynamic endoscopy as an underutilised investigation for EDAC, which avoids sedation and radiation exposure risks, and allows for dynamic patient participation during diagnosis. Methods: Awake, trans-nasal tracheo-bronchoscopies were performed under topical anaesthesia in 11 patients, with direct visualisation of the airway to the level of secondary bronch..