Non-invasive mechanical ventilation for diagnostic bronchoscopy using a new face mask: an observational feasibility study.

Purpose: Bronchoscopy is an indispensable tool for invasive pulmonary evaluation with high diagnostic yield and low incidence of major complications. However, hypoxemia increases the risk of complications, in particular after bronchoalveolar lavage. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation may prevent hypoxemia associated with bronchoalveolar lavage. The purpose of this study is to present a modified total face mask to aid bronchoscopy during non-invasive positive pressure ventilation.

Methods: A commercially available full face mask was modified to allow introduction of the bronchoscope without interfering with the ventilator circuit. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in 12 hypoxemic non-ICU patients during non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in the ICU.

Results: Patients had severely impaired oxygen uptake as indicated by PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio 192 +/- 23 mmHg before bronchoscopy. Oxygenation improved after initiation of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. In all patients the procedure could be completed without subsequent complications, although in one patient SpO(2) decreased until 86% during bronchoscopy. A microbiological diagnosis could be established in 8 of 12 patients with suspected for infection.

Conclusions: Our modified face mask for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation is a valuable tool to aid diagnostic bronchoscopy in hypoxemic patients.