Innovation in rigid bronchoscopy-past, present, and future.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Medical Technology
• Endoscopy

Background:

• The historical development of rigid bronchoscopy (RB) began with Gustav Killian's first procedure over 100 years ago.
• Chevalier Jackson Sr. significantly improved the instrument, technique, and safety of early bronchoscopy.
• The introduction of fiberoptics and cold light systems in the 1960s marked the beginning of modern flexible endoscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the substantial advancements in rigid bronchoscopy (RB) from its origins to the present day.
• To highlight key innovations that have shaped respiratory medicine and interventional pulmonology.
• To discuss the future potential of robotic technology in pulmonary medicine.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of key milestones in rigid bronchoscopy.
• Description of technological innovations, including optical rods, fiberoptics, and cold light systems.
• Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures enabled by endoscopic advancements.

Main Results:

• Early RB enabled foreign body removal, transforming respiratory medicine.
• Flexible endoscopy expanded diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, including biopsies and electrosurgery.
• The development of silicone stents and Nd-YAG laser applications established interventional pulmonology.

Conclusions:

• Rigid bronchoscopy has undergone continuous innovation, from early foreign body extraction to modern interventional procedures.
• Technological leaps, including fiberoptics and specialized stents, have significantly expanded the scope of bronchoscopy.
• Future advancements, particularly in robotic technology, are poised to further revolutionize pulmonary medicine and interventional pulmonology.