Table 1 Cardio-respiratory effects of flexible bronchoscopy

• Increase of airway resistances

• Work of breathing enhancement

• Alveolar de-recruitment and lung collapse (in particular during suctioning and BAL)

• Worsening of gas exchange

• Alterations of intrathoracic pressures

• Increased sympathetic stimulation

• Cardiac distress (in particular in cardiopathic, fragile, and unstable patients)