Pneumologie
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Flexible bronchoscopy is a standard examination today and is conducted not only in nearly every hospital but also in privately owned practices. The vast majority of patients want sedation for this examination. Such a procedure is nearly always necessary in complex and interventional procedures, irrespective of the patient's wish. ⋯ Furthermore the drugs recommended for sedation are discussed and their methods of application shown. Finally the recommendations also include suggestions for patient clarification, monitoring and discharge. They should provide the examiner with concrete operating options and therefore above all increase patient safety.
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The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of an indwelling pleural device (PleurX, Denver Biomedical, USA) for the treatment of recurrent pleural effusions. In cases when life expectancy tends to be very short and also surgical decortication is not recommended, pleurodesis is another treatment option but requires complete drainage of the whole pleural fluid for optimal results which is sometimes hard to achieve. The PleurX catheter is an alternative therapeutic option. ⋯ The use of an indwelling pleural device is a safe alternative treatment option for patients with chronic pleural effusions and trapped lung signs. We should be aware of this device and propagate its use at an earlier stage of malignant diseases with recurrent pleural effusions, especially when the remaining life time is short.