An improved method for providing topical anesthesia as an aid to flexible bronchoscopy has been developed. The method involves the nebulization of xylocaine, using a bird or Bennett respirator with an ultrasonic nebulizer in-line. This has resulted in acceptable anesthesia in 81 per cent of patients, whereas results with either a bird ventilator or an ultrasonic nebulizer alone were acceptable in only about 50 per cent of the subjects.
Patient discomfort has been largely eliminated with this method of achieving topical anesthesia. The method also has resulted in a saving of physician time, as the physician no longer needs to anesthetize the airway of the patient. No significant complications have been noted with nebulization of the anesthetic, and patient acceptance has been excellent.
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