ABSTRACT
I. Introduction Interventional pulmonology is a new field within pulmonary medicine that focuses on the use of sophisticated bronchoscopic and pleuroscopic techniques for the treatment of a spectrum of thoracic disorders ranging from tracheobronchial stenosis to pleural effusions. These efforts are facilitated by sedative-hypnotics and analgesics, resulting in greater patient comfort, cooperation, and satisfaction. Newer drugs expand the opportunities for minimally invasive procedures in medically complex patients. In recognition of the growing number of personnel utilizing potent sedating and anesthetizing drugs, specialty societies have promulgated guidelines for the safe conduct of sedation, monitoring, and reanimation by qualified healthcare providers (1-3).
