Incidental findings, including pulmonary nodules, on computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) are common. Previous authors have suggested CTCA could allow opportunistic screening for lung cancer, though the lung cancer risk profile of this patient group has not previously been established. Smoking histories of 229 patients undergoing CTCA at two tertiary hospitals were reviewed and only 25% were current or former smokers aged 55–80 years old. Less than half of this group were eligible for screening based on the PLCOm2012 risk model. We conclude that routine screening in the form of full thoracic field imaging, of individuals undergoing CTCA is not appropriate as it would likely result in net harm.
Background
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common, and its prevalence is increasing. Opportunities to screen for OSA using simplified diagnostic devices may be important to addressing this clinical burden. The NightOwl (Ectosense NV, Leuven, Belgium) is a small dual channel device that acquires data from a single fingertip and is available in a disposable version, in addition to the previously validated reusable option. The devices will provide a measure of sleep duration and derived apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) using a proprietary algorithm.
Methods
A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing laboratory polysomnography (PSG) for suspected OSA is underway at Monash Medical Centre, Clayton (ACTRN12621000444886). Participants are fitted with a NightOwl Sensor Mini (disposable) and a NightOwl Sensor Reusable on their index and middle fingers, in addition to the standard PSG setup (Compumedics Grael, Profusion 3). The primary outcome is the level of agreement between the NightOwl Sensor Mini, NightOwl Sensor Reusable and PSG derived AHI. We also intend to compare the proprietary algorithm against Compumedics Profusion 3 for determination of oxygen desaturation index. Level of agreement will be determined utilising Bland-Altman plots.
Progress to date
Recruitment is currently underway with 29 of an intended 100 participants having completed their sleep studies.
Intended outcome and impact
The intended outcome of this study is to externally validate the two NightOwl devices against PSG for detecting OSA and accurately assessing severity. We anticipate this will enable screening for OSA in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Introduction/aim
Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is generally the first line procedure for airway foreign body removal. However, removal may be challenging when surface and/or other characteristics make grasping the object difficult. We present a case in which we used a gastrointestinal retrieval net to successfully extract a dental crown, a type of foreign body with difficult-to-grasp surface characteristics.
Methods
A 72-year-old male aspirated a dental crown during an attempted molar crown fitting. Semi-emergent flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy was undertaken using an Olympus bronchoscope with a 2.8mm working channel. Attempts at retrieval using standard forceps, and a four-wire airway retrieval basket were unsuccessful. The retrieval net (RescueNet, Boston Scientific) is a device used in gastrointestinal procedures to retrieve foreign objects, food boluses and tissue fragments. The device's external catheter is 2.5mm in diameter and is passed through the working channel of an endoscope. The handle operates in a similar manner to conventional biopsy forceps and deploys a one-sided fishnet mesh basket with an adjustable string collar that can be manipulated to enclose a target.
Results
The dental crown was easily removed with the retrieval net on the second attempt. Upon review of the literature, endobronchial usage of retrieval nets was found to be rare.
Conclusion
Clinicians should be aware that gastrointestinal retrieval nets are an option for the retrieval of airway foreign bodies.
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