Handling of and preferences for available dry powder inhaler systems by patients with asthma and COPD.

The correct handling of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) is crucial for efficient therapy, and acceptance of the device can improve compliance. The handling of seven different dry powder inhalers was studied in 72 patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to identify possible handling errors and investigate patient preferences.

[Cerebral arterial gas embolism as complication during the therapeutic endobronchial use of argon plasma coagulation].

In this case report, argon plasma coagulation (APC) was applied in a male individual to treat an occluding tumour of the right middle lobe bronchus with a post-stenotic atelectasis. During attempted recanalisation, the patient suffered a cerebral gas embolism as seen on CT scan, resulting in a distinct neurological deficit. We discuss the available data about cerebral gas embolism as a complication of APC and possibilities to avoid such complications.

[CT-Guided transthoracic aspiration of peripheral pulmonary nodules with a special bioptic needle].

Peripheral pulmonary nodules are difficult to reach bronchoscopically, so for a long time it has been tried, by the use of imaging techniques like X-ray, ultrasound and computed tomography, to aspirate these nodules for exact histological diagnosis. The computed tomography offers the best spatial orientation for methodical reasons, thus this technique is performed increasingly and with great accuracy in pulmonary lesions. Complications like bleeding into lung parenchyma or small pneumothorax after aspiration can be detected easier by computed tomography.

[Continuous flow apnoeic ventilation via intratracheal oxygen insufflation].

Background: In patients with disturbed gas-exchange (e.g. COPD) intratracheal oxygen insufflation (ITO2) improves oxygenation and reduces the minute ventilation.