[Autofluorescence bronchoscopy: Laser imaging fluorescence endoscope]

The LIFE (laser imaging fluorescence endoscope) system has been shown to increase the diagnosis of dysplasia and carcinoma in situ when used in combination with conventional bronchoscopy. A doubling to tripling of the rate of early centrally located lung cancer diagnosis is a step forward in the detection of early lung cancer. A wide spectrum of interventional procedures for endoluminal treatment of lung cancer in functionally inoperable patients makes it possible to treat this group of patients. The LIFE system works without exogenous sensitisers, with no increase in complications as compared to conventional bronchoscopy, and takes only a little longer in examination time.