Pulmonary & Critical Care

Archive for the ‘Procedure Index’ Category

What is an intubation?Intubation is a general term referring to the placement of a tube into a patient’s body. The most common use of this term in the ICU refers to placing a breathing tube into a patient’s airway (endotracheal intubation).
Why is endotracheal intubation needed?
Endotracheal intubation is necessary when patients can no longer cough and [...]

What is mechanical ventilation?
Mechanical ventilation is a form of artificial respiration that uses a breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) to assist patients with breathing. It is used when the lungs are not functioning properly.
How does the breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) work?
A breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) pushes air into the lungs. It includes controls to adjust the [...]

Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) is a relatively new procedure used in the diagnosis of lung cancer, infections, and other diseases causing enlarged lymph nodes in the chest. Currently, only a few centers offer EBUS, a minimally invasive procedure that has proven highly effective.
Why is it used?
The EBUS procedure allows physicians to perform a technique known as [...]