Ultrathin Bronchoscopy: Indications and Technique

Standard flexible bronchoscopes may enter up to third- to fifth-generation bronchi and allow visualization of one to two further generations in adult patient airways, while the category of “ultrathin bronchoscope” can reach small peripheral airways up to 9th to 12th generation. Although no formal definition of “ultrathin bronchoscope” has been established, the term ultrathin has been widely used when referring to bronchoscopes with an outer diameter of 3 mm or less that are used for the exploration of peripheral airways in adult patients. In Fig. 3.1 you can compare the size of different bronchoscopes.