Journal of bronchology & interventional pulmonology
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J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol · Apr 2016
Role of Bronchoscopy in Prompt Discharge From the Intensive Care Unit.
Intensive care unit (ICU) stays are 2.5 times more costly than other hospital stays, and 93.3% of ICU use is for respiratory disease with ventilator support. The aim of this study was to assess the role of bronchoscopy on discontinuation of mechanical ventilation, and prompt discharge from ICU in our institution. ⋯ The majority of patients in our cohort (75%) of benign and malignant etiology could be promptly (within 2 d postbronchoscopy) transferred out from ICU to general ward after successful discontinuation of mechanical ventilation and extubation after bronchoscopic intervention. We advocate early recognition and bronchoscopic intervention in suitable patients.
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J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol · Apr 2016
Intrapleural Fibrinolytic Therapy in Patients With Nondraining Indwelling Pleural Catheters.
Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has been successfully used to relieve obstruction of dysfunctional devices, including vascular catheters. Intrapleural tPA is used by some centers to restore flow of nondraining indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) in symptomatic patients with malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). Because few studies have evaluated its safety and effectiveness, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of outcomes after tPA treatment during a 10-year period at our institution. ⋯ On the basis of our finding of successful flow restoration with few complications, we recommend intrapleural tPA treatment for symptomatic patients with nondraining IPCs in the setting of persistent pleural fluid.