The use of nitrous oxide during ventilation with the open bronchoscope

Recently, calibrated nitrous oxide oxygen mixing devices which provide gas flows of as much as 100 l/min at 50 psi have become available. It seemed appropriate to combine a mixing device with the sidearm system of bronchoscopic ventilation so as to profit from the analgesic and amnesic properties of nitrous oxide. In this study, bronchoscopy has been carried out using a nitrous oxide oxygen mixing device combined with the sidearm ventilation system to ascertain its efficacy. The use of 70% nitrous oxide and 30% oxygen for the majority of cases is satisfactory and can be expected to increase paO₂ during bronchoscopy.