ABSTRACT
I. Introduction For over 100 years, rigid bronchoscopy has been an invaluable resource for the pulmonologist and surgeon. The first rigid bronchoscopy performed by Dr Gustav Killian in the late 1800s offered physicians a new glimpse into human anatomy and sparked the growth of pulmonary medicine. Throughout its history, the use of the rigid bronchoscope has waxed and waned as the approaches to intrapulmonary processes have shifted. The procedure has proven itself to stand the test of time and remains an integral tool in the diagnosis and treatment of airway pathology. This chapter focuses on the history of the rigid bronchoscope, reviews new technological updates in rigid bronchoscopy, and discusses current ventilatory strategies utilized during rigid bronchoscopy.
