How do you mitigate risk when performing bronchoscopy in hypoxic patients requiring high levels of supplemental oxygen?

The first question you have to ask yourself, is 'why am I doing this'? If the answer is not going to significantly alter management (i.e. removal of a foreign body, bronchus plug; or biopsy to alter drug therapy) then it would be wise to defer until the patient is more stable.

If it is deemed the pr...

Diagnostic bronchoscopy can generally be performed safely in patients with hypoxemia even if requiring high levels of O2 but the bronchoscopist should be prepared to manage worsening hypoxemia with intubation and mechanical ventilation during the procedure if necessary. I typically have an endotrach...