Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy in the Intensive Care

Transient hypoxemia is probably the single most common gas exchange abnormality encountered during FFB caused by alveolar collapse, depletion of the intraalveolar oxygen due to frequent suctioning and transient “flooding” of the alveoli during BAL. ... Atelectasis is a major cause of clinical deterioration and/or of delay in the patients ... ................
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