[Transbronchoscopic end-tidal carbon dioxide detection for location of the leading bronchus in patients with pneumothorax]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Author Spotlight: Expanding Interventional Pulmonology Research with Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy
Published on: July 19, 2024
1The Department of Respiratory, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China.
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) detection for location of the leading bronchus in patients with pneumothorax.
Methods:
Transbronchoscopic EtCO2 detection was performed in 4 patients with intractable pneumothorax in whom transbronchoscopic balloon detection failed to localize the leading bronchus. A specific bronchus was suspected to be the leading bronchus when its EtCO2 value was significantly lower than that of the main bronchus of the affected lung. After the pleural air leakage was successfully sealed by bronchial occlusion of the suspected bronchus, the EtCO2 was confirmed to indicate the leading bronchus.
Results:
Transbronchoscopic EtCO2 detection successfully located the leading bronchus in all 4 patients.
Conclusions:
Transbronchoscopic EtCO2 detection is a new method of locating the leading bronchus in patients with intractable pneumothorax.
Related Concept Videos
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due...
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
Endotracheal Intubation I: Procedure
The ET tube comprises various components, including a standard adaptor to attach a bag-valve-mask (BVM) or ventilator, a cuff, a pilot balloon, and radiopaque markings along its length to measure the insertion distance. The tube sizes...

