Bronchoscopy in the intensive care unit. Airway management, pathogen diagnostics and hemorrhage

Flexible bronchoscopy is an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool on intensive care unit (ICU) wards and is used to check the correct positioning of the endotracheal tube or to exclude tracheal damage after intubation. Endobronchial bleeding can also be localized and in optimal situations can be stopped. The sensitivity of pathogen diagnostics is also improved by endoscopic interventions. For atelectasis flexible bronchoscopy is needed-on the ICU to clear the bronchus from mucus impaction or foreign bodies. New technical equipment allows easier and quicker handling in bedside situations.