Christopher A. Hergott

The impact of tunneled pleural catheters on the quality of life of patients with malignant pleural effusions.

Background: Tunneled pleural catheters (TPC) are used in the management of malignant pleural effusions (MPE), but the impact of this palliative procedure on patient quality of life (QoL) has not been well described. Objectives: To ascertain the impact of TPCs on symptoms and QoL of patients with recurrent MPE. Methods: Patients with recurrent MPE completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and LC13 QoL questionnaires at baseline, 2 and 14 weeks; FACIT-TS-G© treatment satisfaction surveys were completed at 14 weeks. Results: A total of 82 patients were recruited. Thirty-seven patients (37/82, 45%) died prior to their 14-week follow-up appointment. Significant improvements in dyspnea at 2 weeks were demonstrated with both dyspnea scores (LC13 baseline score 64.1, 2-week score 43.7, mean change –20.4, n = 56, p < 0.001; C30 baseline score 78.9, 2-week score 46.6, mean change –32.4, n = 68, p < 0.001), as well as with the MRC score (baseline median score 4, 2-week score 3, n = 70, p < 0.001). Global health status/QoL was also significantly improved at 2 weeks (baseline score 34.1, 2-week score 46.3, mean change 12.3, n = 68, p < 0.001). Improvements in cough, fatigue and all functional scales were noted at 2 weeks. The improvements in dyspnea and global health status/QoL were maintained to 14 weeks in surviving subjects and there was further improvement in the MRC score at 14 weeks. Patients who completed the FACIT-TS-G survey demonstrated overall satisfaction with TPC treatment. Conclusions: TPCs are associated with a significant improvement in global health status, QoL and dyspnea at the 2-week time point in patients with recurrent MPE.

Role of Bronchoscopy in the Evaluation of Solitary Pulmonary Nodules

The past decade has witnessed the application of many advanced bronchoscopic modalities to improve access to the solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN). Although many of the techniques are applied on a regular basis by bronchoscopists, which technique-or which combination of techniques-will offer the best performance and cost-effectiveness remains to be determined. The authors anticipate that bronchoscopic approaches to the SPN will continue to proliferate as technologic advances and clinical data accumulate. Research should focus on combinations of techniques, cost-effectiveness, and incorporation of these tools in diagnostic algorithms for lung nodules/masses.

Endobronchial ultrasound learning curve in interventional pulmonary fellows

Little published data exist regarding the learning curve for endobronchial ultrasound‐transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA). We sought to assess the improvement in skill as trainees learned EBUS‐TBNA in a clinical setting.

Repair costs for endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopes.

BackgroundThe development of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) has revolutionized the diagnostic approach to lung cancer and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The capital costs associated with implementing EBUS are easily obtained from manufacturers, but the ongoing maintenance and repair costs are unknown. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to delineate the maintenance and repair costs associated with EBUS. MethodsFor the period between October 2005 and June 30, 2009, the number of procedures and the maintenance and repair costs for both EBUS and flexible bronchoscopes were recorded. Two BF-160UCF-OL8 (Olympus, Canada) linear convex EBUS bronchoscopes were used for EBUS procedures during the course of the study. Total costs were calculated on a yearly basis and on a per procedure basis for EBUS and standard bronchoscopes and are presented in Canadian and US dollars (

Wet laboratory versus computer simulation for learning endobronchial ultrasound: A randomized trial

1 CAN=

Flexible 19-Gauge Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Needle: First Experience

0.88 USD). ResultsDuring the period of October 2005 and June 2009, a total of 949 linear convex EBUS procedures and 2767 flexible bronchoscopies were carried out. During this period, 13 separate repair issues were encountered with the EBUS bronchoscopes and control unit. The total cost for maintenance and repair of the EBUS and flexible bronchoscopes was

Evaluation of a Novel Method of Teaching Endobronchial Ultrasound: Physician- Versus Respiratory Therapist-Proctored Simulation Training

110,151.46 (

Self-expandable metallic stents in nonmalignant large airway disease.

96,933.28 USD) and

Lesion heterogeneity and risk of infectious complications following peripheral endobronchial ultrasound

67,301.49 (

A Posterior Pneumothorax

59,225.31 USD), respectively. The average cost per procedure for EBUS and flexible bronchoscopy was