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Systematic Bronchoscopy: the Four Landmarks Approach
Published on: June 23, 2023
Diameter of paediatric sized flexible bronchoscopes: when size matters
Barry Linnane1, Gaudenz M Hafen, Sarath C Ranganathan
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. barry.linnane@rch.org.au
Pediatric Pulmonology
|June 17, 2006
Summary
Pediatric flexible bronchoscopes often exceed manufacturer size specifications. The maximum insertion tube diameter is larger than the distal tip, potentially influencing device selection for pediatric procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Endoscopy
Background:
- Flexible bronchoscope size is typically defined by the distal tip diameter.
- This designation does not represent the maximum insertion tube diameter.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the maximum diameter and its location on flexible bronchoscope insertion tubes.
- To compare standard bronchofiberscopes with newer bronchovideoscopes.
Main Methods:
- Ten flexible bronchoscopes (2.2–4.9 mm OD) were measured using digital calipers.
- Investigators were blinded to scope type and model.
- Measured diameters were compared to manufacturer specifications.
Main Results:
- All scopes exhibited maximum and median measured diameters exceeding the stated distal tip diameter.
- Discrepancies ranged from 0.19 mm (6.7%) to 0.66 mm (22.2%), averaging 0.41 mm (14.0%).
- No significant difference was found between bronchofiberscopes and bronchovideoscopes.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric flexible bronchoscope maximum diameters are significantly larger than stated.
- This discrepancy may affect bronchoscope selection for pediatric procedures.
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