Abstract

Introduction: Bronchoscopy is an invasive procedure used increasingly in intensive care units, with diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. There is a group of subjects in whom the risk of being intubated increase morbidity and mortality. The use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) prevents hypoxemia during bronchoscopy, thus avoiding acute respiratory failure. Objectives: Describe the clinical behavior of subjects who were supported with NIV and the complications associated with bronchoscopy that may result in endotracheal intubation. Methods: Descriptive study of 25 procedures in adult subjects with indication of bronchoscopy, who presented acute respiratory failure and the need for NIV during hospitalization or were supported with NIV for bronchoscopy for risk reduction. Results: No subjects had any complication that required an artificial airway and invasive mechanical ventilation. There was no statistical difference in clinical outcomes. Conclusion: There were no complications associated with the technique; subjects remained clinically stable during and after the procedure. There is need more studies to standardize the technique and demonstrate that it is safe and reproducible in other centers.

Keywords: Bronchoscopy; Non-invasive mechanical ventilation; Bronchoalveolar lavage; Critical care unit