Computed tomography measurements for airway stent insertion in malignant airway obstruction.

Background: Metallic airway stents for malignant airway obstruction are considered safe, yet are not without complications. This study reviews the role of computed tomography (CT) airway measurements for planning stent placement in malignant airway obstruction before the actual therapeutic procedure to avoid invasive diagnostic evaluation before the stent placement and to reduce complications.

Methods: This study is a retrospective review of information from a stent order database and medical records of patients receiving stents for malignant airway obstruction at a university hospital over a 12-year period.

Formulary management of recombinant factor VIIa at an academic medical center.

Background: Recombinant human coagulation factor VIIa (rVIIa) is a procoagulant indicated for treatment of bleeding in patients with hemophilia. A large proportion of rVIIa utilization is for off-label administration in nonhemophiliac patients with acute hemorrhage. Concerns of potentially inappropriate use, safety, and cost of rVIIa led to efforts to standardize use of this agent.

What is the diagnostic value of flexible bronchoscopy in the initial investigation of children with suspected foreign body aspiration?

Purpose Of The Study: The diagnosis and early bronchoscopic extraction of a foreign body (Fb) in children are life-saving measures. Many studies have described the manifestation of foreign body aspiration (FbA); however, only a few analyzed the role of flexible bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of FbA. The aim of this work is to define the indications of flexible bronchoscopy in the management algorithm of suspected FbA.

[Multidetector CT evaluation of airway metallic stents].

Introduction: Stenting is accepted in managing patients with inoperable obstruction of the upper airways. The choice of the type as well as the dimensions of stents are crucial as it impacts on the success of the procedure and potential complications which must be diagnosed non-invasively.

State Of The Art: The goal of this review is to present our multidisciplinary experience using multidetector CT as a minimally invasive technique for detecting airway obstructions, for evaluating preoperatively local anatomic conditions useful to determinate the type and size of metallic stents to be used, and following non-invasively the stent in order to detect various complications.