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Updated: Jul 19, 2025

The Rigid Tube as an Alternative in Controlling the Problematic Airway
Published on: June 6, 2020
Tracheal stenting by rigid bronchoscopy in right lateral decubitus position in an awake patient
Clarissa B Smith1, Lucas Pitts2, Maykol Postigo2
1The University of Kansas Health System, Department of Internal Medicine, Mailstop 1022 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS, 66160, United States.
Abstract:
Rigid bronchoscopy is a common procedure for central airway obstructions (CAO). Many patients with advanced lesions causing CAO have tenuous, positionally dependent respiratory status which requires additional procedural considerations. This case report describes a 57-year-old man with high grade epithelioid angiosarcoma of the right lung and pleura who underwent placement of a tracheal stent by rigid bronchoscopy in the novel procedural conditions of right lateral decubitus, semi-sitting position with dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and propofol for moderate sedation. Dexmedetomidine, which is currently in use for flexible bronchoscopy due to its analgesic, anxiolytic, and antisialogogue properties performed ideally and should be further evaluated for this indication.
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