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Browsing by Author "Folch, Erik"

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Airway fibroepithelial polyposis
(2017) Labarca, Gonzalo; Caviedes, Iván; Vial, Macarena R; Pires, Yumay; Folch, Erik; Majid, Adnan; Fernández-Bussy, Sebastián
Fibroepithelial polyps are benign lesions, frequently found in the skin and genitourinary tract. Airway involvement is rare, and few case reports have been published. Our patient was a 79 y.o. male smoker, who was referred to us with a 3-month history of dry cough. At physical examination, the patient looked well, but a chest CT showed a 6-mm polyp lesion in his trachea. A flexible bronchoscopy confirmed this lesion, and forceps biopsies were performed. Argon plasma coagulation was used to completely resect and treat the lesion. Pathological analysis revealed a fibroepithelial polyp (FP). The aim of this manuscript is to report a case of FP with bronchoscopic management and to review the current literature about this condition.
Aplicaciones torácicas del ultrasonido
(Sociedad Medica de Santiago, 2016) Fernández-Bussy, Sebastián; Labarca, Gonzalo; Lanza, Mario; Folch, Erik; Majid, Adnan
The use of thoracic ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in the emergency department, intensive care unit or in patients with pulmonary diseases is increasing steadily. It is used to guide percutaneous tracheostomies, to assess pleural effusions, to rule out pneumothorax, and to guide the placement of endovascular and pleural catheters. It is also useful in the assessment of patients with dyspnea. The aim of this review is to provide the practical and technical basics for the use of this diagnostic tool among internists and specialists in pulmonary diseases.
Concurrent Intrapleural Instillation of Tissue Plasminogen Activator and DNase for Pleural Infection. A Single-Center Experience
(American Thoracic Society, 2016) Majid, Adnan; Kheir, Fayez; Folch, Alejandro; Fernández‐Bussy, Sebastián; Chatterji, Sumit; Maskey, Ashish; Fashjian, Meghan; Cheng, George; Ochoa, Sebastian; Alape, Daniel; Folch, Erik
RATIONALE: Treatment of pleural infection with instillation of intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and human recombinant DNase (DNase) has been proven to decrease the length of hospital stay, decrease surgical referral, and improve drainage. The optimal dosage, administration, timing, and frequency of the regimen remain unclear. It is unknown if the two drugs can be administered immediately one after the other (referred to as concurrent) instead of instilling them separately with a 1- to -2-hour interval in between. OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of concurrent instillation of intrapleural tPA/DNase guided by radiographic and clinical response in patients with pleural infection. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study. Consecutive patients with pleural infection who received concurrent tPA/DNase were included. The initiation and number of doses of tPA/DNase therapy were based on pleural fluid drainage, clinical response, and radiographic findings. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Seventy-three patients received concurrent tPA/DNase therapy. Treatment was successful in 90.4% of them; 80.8% were effectively treated with fewer than six doses of therapy (median, 2; interquartile range [IQR], 1-3.5); and 71.2% received their first dose of tPA/DNase within 24 hours after chest tube insertion. The median hospital stay from the first dose of tPA/DNase to discharge was 7 days (IQR, 5-11 d). The volume of pleural fluid drained increased from a median of 295 ml (IQR, 97.5-520 ml) 24 hours before treatment to a median of 1,102 ml (IQR, 627-2,200 ml) 72 hours following therapy (P < 0.001). Nonfatal pleural bleeding occurred in 5.4%, 15.1% had chest pain, and 2.7% died as a result of pleural infection. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort study shows that early administration of concurrent tPA/DNase in patients with pleural infection is relatively safe and effective. Given the high cost of therapy, it is feasible to guide therapy on the basis of clinical and radiographic response.
Concurrent Versus Sequential Intrapleural Instillation of Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Deoxyribonuclease for Pleural Infection
(2018) Kheir, Fayez; Cheng, George; Rivera, Estefania; Folch, Alejandro; Folch, Erik; Fernández-Bussy, Sebastián; Keyes, Colleen; Parikh, Mihir; Channick, Colleen; Chee, Alex; Majid, Adnan
Background: Treatment of pleural infection with instillation of sequential intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and human recombinant deoxyribonuclease (DNase) twice daily for a total of 6 doses has been shown to decrease surgical referral and improve radiographic imaging. This labor-intensive regimen was empirically chosen. Thus, it remains unclear whether the 2 drugs can be administered immediately one after the other (concurrent administration) instead of instilling them separately with a 1-hour to 2-hour interval in between (sequential administration). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of sequential versus concurrent tPA/DNase therapy in patients with pleural infection. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Consecutive patients with pleural infection who received concurrent and sequential tPA/DNase were included. The initiation and number of doses of tPA/DNase therapy were based on the amount of pleural fluid drainage, clinical response and radiographic findings. Results: A total of 38 patients with pleural infection received tPA/DNase treatment: 18 in the sequential group and 20 in the concurrent group. Treatment was successful in 77.7% in the sequential group and 75% in concurrent group (P=0.57). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 treatment groups (sequential and concurrent) in median pleural fluid drainage (P=0.45), median volume of pleural effusion estimated on chest computed tomography scan (P=0.4) or median hemithorax occupied by effusion on chest radiography (P=0.83) following intrapleural therapy. One patient required a blood transfusion for gradual pleural blood loss in each treatment group. Pain needing escalation of analgesia affected 3 patients in each arm but none required cessation of therapy. Conclusion: A simpler regimen of concurrent administration of intrapleural tPA/DNase as compared with sequential intrapleural therapy is safe, effective, and represents a viable option for the management of pleural infection.
Convex Probe EBUS-guided Fiducial Placement for Malignant Central Lung Lesions
(2018) Majid, Adnan; Palkar, Atul; Kheir, Fayez; Alape, Daniel; Fernández-Bussy, Sebastián; Aronovitz, Joseph; Guerrero, Jorge; Gangadharan, Sidhu; Kent, Michael; Whyte, Richard; Folch, Erik
Background: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) had become a therapeutic modality in patients with primary tumors, locally recurrent as well as oligometastasis involving the lung. Some modalities of SBRT require fiducial marker (FM) for dynamic tumor tracking. Previous studies have focused on evaluating bronchoscopic-guided FM placement for peripheral lung nodules. We describe the safety and feasibility of placing FM using real-time convex probe endobronchial ultrasound (CP-EBUS) for SBRT in patients with centrally located hilar/mediastinal masses or lymph nodes. Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients who were referred to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s multidisciplinary thoracic oncology program for FM placement to pursue SBRT. Results: Thirty-seven patients who underwent real-time CP-EBUS were included. Patients had a median age of 71 years [interquartile range (IQR), 59.5 to 80.5]. The median size of the lesion was 2.2 cm (IQR, 1.4 to 3.3 cm). The median distance from the central airway was 2.4 cm (IQR, 0 to 3.4 cm). A total of 51 FMs (median of 1 per patient) were deployed in 37 patients. At the time of SBRT planning, 46 (90.2%) were confirmed radiologically in 32 patients. Patients with unsuccessful fiducial deployment (n=5) underwent a second procedure using the same technique. Of those, 3 patients had a successful fiducial placement via bronchoscopy, 1 patient required FM placement by percutaneous computed tomography-guided approach and 1 patient required FM placement through EUS by gastroenterology. Conclusion: CP-EBUS-guided FM placement for patients with malignant lymph nodes and central parenchymal lung lesions appears to be safe and feasible
Endobronchial chondromas
(2014) Fernández-Bussy, Sebastián; Labarca, Gonzalo; Descalzi, Fernando; Pires, Yumai; Santos, Maria; Majid, Adnan; Folch, Erik
Endobronchial chondromas are rare benign tumors. They may be part of the Carney triad; however, isolated endobronchial chondromas can occur in the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. We report a case of an endobronchial chondroma in a 61-y-old man with an incidental 5-mm endobronchial polypoid lesion at the proximal left main bronchus that was later found to be an endobronchial chondroma. Flexible bronchoscopy demonstrated a pedunculated, vascularized, pink mass. An excisional biopsy revealed a well-circumscribed lesion with nodular areas of mature cartilage and myxoid tissue confirmatory of an endobronchial chondroma. We reviewed a total of 23 cases of isolated endobronchial chondromas reported in the medical literature. Despite their rarity, endobronchial chondromas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of endobronchial tumors. Prompt recognition and resection of endobronchial chondromas is important to prevent airway obstruction and its associated complications.
Evaluation of Tracheobronchomalacia by Dynamic Flexible Bronchoscopy A Pilot Study
(2014) Majid, Adnan; Gaurav, Kumar; Sanchez, Jully M.; Berger, Robert L.; Folch, Erik; Fernández-Bussy, Sebastián; Ernst, Armin; Gangadharan, Sidhu P.
Objectives: Dynamic flexible bronchoscopy is the “gold standard” for assessing changes in airway luminal size associated with tracheobronchomalacia, but the procedure has not been adequately validated. The present study was designed to test the validity of diagnosing tracheobronchomalacia by dynamic flexible bronchoscopy through assessing inter- and intraobserver agreements in estimating degree of central airway collapse associated with tracheobronchomalacia.Methods: This prospective observational pilot study enrolled consecutive patients with suspected tracheobronchomalacia scheduled for dynamic flexible bronchoscopy. Images of the airway lumen were obtained at five different sites in the tracheobronchial tree during forced inspiration and expiration and were evaluated by 23 pulmonologists (not involved in the care of study patients) with different levels of training and experience at baseline (interobserver agreement) and 8 days later (intraobserver agreement). The degree of airway collapse was visually estimated by each examiner and expressed as a percentage of narrowing. A multirater generalized kappa-type statistical method was used to calculate the correlation coefficients and to assess reliability of the measurements obtained during dynamic flexible bronchoscopy.Measurements and Main Results: Between September 1 and 30, 2009, 10 patients (median age, 65 yr) underwent dynamic flexible bronchoscopy. The correlation coefficients for inter- and intraobserver agreement were favorable and ranged for the five airway sites from 0.68 to 0.92 and from 0.80 to 0.96, respectively.Conclusions: The favorable inter- and intraobserver agreements among 23 pulmonologists using dynamic flexible bronchoscopy to estimate the degree of dynamic central airway collapse provide additional evidence that dynamic flexible bronchoscopy is a reliable diagnostic tool for tracheobronchomalacia.
Minimally Invasive Methods for Staging in Lung Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
(Hindawi Publishing Corp., 2016) Labarca, Gonzalo; Aravena, Carlos; Ortega, Francisco; Arenas, Alex; Majid, Adnan; Folch, Erik; Mehta, Hiren; Jantz, Michael; Fernández-Bussy, Sebastián
Introduction. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a procedure that provides access to the mediastinal staging; however, EBUS cannot be used to stage all of the nodes in the mediastinum. In these cases, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is used for complete staging. Objective. To provide a synthesis of the evidence on the diagnostic performance of EBUS + EUS in patients undergoing mediastinal staging. Methods. Systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic yield of EBUS + EUS compared with surgical staging. Two researchers performed the literature search, quality assessments, data extractions, and analyses. We produced a meta-analysis including sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio analysis. Results. Twelve primary studies (1515 patients) were included; two were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and ten were prospective trials. The pooled sensitivity for combined EBUS + EUS was 87% (CI 84–89%) and the specificity was 99% (CI 98–100%). For EBUS + EUS performed with a single bronchoscope group, the sensitivity improved to 88% (CI 83.1–91.4%) and specificity improved to 100% (CI 99-100%). Conclusion. EBUS + EUS is a highly accurate and safe procedure. The combined procedure should be considered in selected patients with lymphadenopathy noted at stations that are not traditionally accessible with conventional EBUS.
Non-malignant central airway obstruction.
(Elsevier España, 2014) Barros, David; Fernández-Bussy, Sebastián; Folch, Erik; Flandes, Javier; Majid, Adnan
The most common causes of non-malignant central airway obstruction are post-intubation and post-tracheostomytracheal stenosis, followed by the presence of foreign bodies, benign endobronchial tumours and tracheobronchomalacia. Other causes, such as infectious processes or systemic diseases, are less frequent. Despite the existence of numerous classification systems, a consensus has not been reached on the use of any one of them in particular. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of this entity has allowed us to improve diagnosis and treatment. For the correct diagnosis of nonspecific clinical symptoms, pulmonary function tests, radiological studies and, more importantly, bronchoscopy must be performed. Treatment must be multidisciplinary and tailored to each patient, and will require surgery or endoscopic intervention using thermoablative and mechanical techniques.
Rendimiento diagnóstico de la ultrasonografía endobronquial con aspiración transbronquial por aguja fina en el estudio de etapificación mediastínica en pacientes con cáncer pulmonar
(Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisilogia, 2015) Fernández-Bussy, Sebastián; Labarca, Gonzalo; Canals, Sofía; Caviedes, Iván; Folch, Erik; Majid, Adnan
OBJECTIVE: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive diagnostic test with a high diagnostic yield for suspicious central pulmonary lesions and for mediastinal lymph node staging. The main objective of this study was to describe the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA for mediastinal lymph node staging in patients with suspected lung cancer. METHODS: Prospective study of patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA for diagnosis. Patients ≥ 18 years of age were recruited between July of 2010 and August of 2013. We recorded demographic variables, radiological characteristics provided by axial CT of the chest, location of the lesion in the mediastinum as per the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer classification, and definitive diagnostic result (EBUS with a diagnostic biopsy or a definitive diagnostic method). RESULTS: Our analysis included 354 biopsies, from 145 patients. Of those 145 patients, 54.48% were male. The mean age was 63.75 years. The mean lymph node size was 15.03 mm, and 90 lymph nodes were smaller than 10.0 mm. The EBUS-TBNA method showed a sensitivity of 91.17%, a specificity of 100.0%, and a negative predictive value of 92.9%. The most common histological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: EBUS-TBNA is a diagnostic tool that yields satisfactory results in the staging of neoplastic mediastinal lesions.
Safety and efficacy of tissue plasminogen activator and DNase for complicated pleural effusions secondary to abdominal pathology
(American Thoracic Society, 2017) Majid, Adnan; Ochoa, Sebastián; Chatterji, Sumit; Fernández‐Bussy, Sebastián; Kheir, Fayez; Rivera, Estefania; Cheng, George; Folch, Erik
RATIONALE: Exudative pleural effusions may arise secondary to inflammation of intra-abdominal structures. Pleural space loculations can complicate these effusions, preventing adequate chest tube drainage and leading to consideration of surgical intervention. Previous studies have demonstrated that intrapleural administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) combined with human recombinant DNase can improve fluid drainage and reduce surgery for patients with loculated parapneumonic effusions; however, the efficacy of this treatment has not been evaluated for complicated pleural effusions attributed to intra-abdominal inflammation. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the safety and efficacy of tPA/DNase for 17 pleural effusions associated with nonmalignant intra-abdominal pathology that did not drain adequately after placement of one or more chest tubes. METHODS: Efficacy was measured by comparing post- to pretreatment fluid drainage rates, volumetric assessment of pleural fluid on radiographic images before and after treatment, and clinical improvement, including the need for surgical intervention. Symptomatic relief was assessed using the Borg scale for breathlessness. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After a median of two doses of tPA/DNase, 23.5% of patients had chest pain and none had pleural bleeding. The volume of pleural fluid drained increased from a median of 325 ml to 890 ml per 24 hours after therapy (P = 0.018). The area of pleural space opacity on chest radiographs decreased from a median of 42.8-17.8% of the hemithorax (P = 0.001). tPA/DNase reduced the pleural fluid volume on chest computed tomographic imaging from a median of 294.4 ml to 116.1 ml. Borg scores improved from a median of 3 (interquartile range = 1-6) to 0 (interquartile range = 0-2) after therapy (P = 0.001). The median duration of chest tube placement and hospital stay were 4 and 11 days, respectively. Two patients required surgical intervention for lung entrapment. Overall, treatment was considered successful for 88.2% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective case series suggests that intrapleural tPA/DNase can be safe and effective for patients with complicated pleural effusions attributed to abdominal pathology that do not drain adequately after chest tube placement. Additional studies are needed to determine whether the combination of tPA and DNase is more effective than tPA for this indication
The feasibility of EBUS-guided TBNA through the pulmonary artery in highly selected patients
(Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2016) Folch, Erik; Santacruz, Jose; Fernández-Bussy, Sebastián; Gangadharan, Sidhu; Kent, Michael; Jantz, Michael; Stather, David; Machuzak, Michael; Gildea, Thomas; Majid, Adnan
BACKGROUND: The use of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for diagnosis and staging of benign and malignant thoracic disease has rapidly evolved into the standard of care. The lymph node stations that can be reached by EBUS and EUS are substantially more than those that can be accessed by mediastinoscopy. In rare cases, the clinician is faced with extraordinary circumstances in which a minimally invasive approach to the lymph nodes in station 5 is required. We present our findings in 10 cases, at 7 different institutions, where EBUS was instrumental in reaching a diagnosis. METHODS: We retrospectively collected 10 cases where EBUS-TBNA was performed through the pulmonary artery in an attempt to reach the territory of lymph node station 5. All cases were performed by experienced interventional pulmonologists at 7 tertiary care centers in the United States and Canada. We describe the patients' demographics, comorbidities, complications, and cytopathology. RESULTS: A definitive diagnosis was reached in 9 of the 10 patients. One case showed atypical cells and required a confirmatory Chamberlain procedure. No complications occurred as a result of careful transpulmonary artery needle aspiration. CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter case series suggests that transpulmonary artery needle aspiration guided by EBUS is possible and safe in the hands of experienced interventional pulmonologists. It is important to recognize that this is not an alternative to left VATS or Chamberlain procedure, but a last resort procedure.
Tracheostomy tube placement: Early and late complications.
(Journal of Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonology and Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2015) Fernández-Bussy, Sebastián; Mahajan, Bob; Folch, Erik; Caviedes, Iván; Guerrero, Jorge; Majid, Adnan
Tracheostomy tube placement is a therapeutic procedure that has gained increased favor over the past decade. Upper airway obstructions, failure to liberate from the ventilator, and debilitating neurological conditions are only a few indications for tracheostomy tube placement. Tracheostomy tubes can be placed either surgically or percutaneously. A percutaneous approach offers fewer surgical site infections and postsurgical bleeding than a surgical approach. A surgical placement posses a lower risk of injury to the posterior tracheal wall and spontaneous decannulation is less common. Late complications of both approaches include stenosis, malacia, along with tracheoesophageal, tracheoinnominate, and tracheocutaneous fistulas. This review describes the indications and methods of placement of tracheostomy tubes along with early and late complications that may occur following placement.
Tunneled pleural catheter placement with and without talc poudrage for treatment of pleural effusions due to congestive heart failure
(American Thoracic Society, 2016) Majid, Adnan; Kheir, Fayez; Fashjian, Meghan; Chatterji, Sumit; Fernández-Bussy, Sebastián; Ochoa, Sebastian; Cheng, George; Folch, Erik
RATIONALE: There is a paucity of evidence regarding the role of tunneled pleural catheters in pleural effusions caused by congestive heart failure that is refractory to medical management. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of tunneled pleural catheter drainage for treatment of refractory pleural effusions associated with congestive heart failure, either when used alone or with concomitant talc pleurodesis performed during thoracoscopy. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. We identified patients with congestive heart failure and recurrent symptomatic pleural effusions who were treated between 2005 and 2015 by placement of a tunneled pleural catheter. Patients underwent either thoracoscopy followed by talc poudrage and pleural catheter placement (group 1) or catheter insertion alone (group 2). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Forthy-three catheters were inserted in 36 patients, with 15 placed in group 1 and 28 in group 2. Successful pleurodesis was seen in 80% in group 1 and 25% in group 2. The median time of catheter placement was 11.5 days in group 1 and 66 days in group 2. There was a significant decrease in hospital admissions and pleural interventions after catheter placement compared with before insertion (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This single-center, retrospective study demonstrated the feasibility of catheter placement used alone or with talc poudrage for the treatment of refractory pleural effusions associated with congestive heart failure. The addition of talc poudrage might increase the pleurodesis rate and reduce the days to catheter removal in highly selected patients. Prospective studies on a larger number of patients are warranted to verify the safety and efficacy of this intervention.
Ultrasonografía bronquial con aspiración por aguja fina en el estudio lesiones adyacentes a la vía aérea central
(Sociedad Medica de Santiago, 2016) Fernández-Bussy, Sebastián; Labarca, Gonzalo; Caviedes, Ivan; Folch, Erik; Majid, Adnan
Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided trans-bronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive procedure with a high diagnostic yield for lesions adjacent to the central airway. Aim: To describe the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA for lesions suspicious of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Material and Methods: Prospective study of 128 patients aged 25 to 87 years (56% males) undergoing EBUS-TBNA. Radiological features of the lesions were recorded by chest CT scan such as morphology, margins of the lesion, lesion size and location based on the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) map. Definitive pathological results were evaluated. Results: The average size of lesions was 18.5 millimeter and; 68 cases were of less than 20 millimeters. Sensitivity was 96.7%, specificity 100%, and negative predictive value 93.3%. The most common histological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: EBUS-TBNA is a useful diagnostic tool for NSCLC suspicious lesions adjacent to the central airway.
Unimodality and multimodality cryodebridement for airway obstruction: a single-center experience with safety and efficacy
(American Thoracic Society, 2016) Inaty, Hanine; Folch, Erik; Berger, Robert; Fernández-Bussy, Sebastián; Chatterji, Sumit; Alape, Daniel; Majid, Adnan
RATIONALE: Cryodebridement (CD) refers to the removal of obstructive material from the lumen of the tracheobronchial tree by freezing with a cryoprobe, which is usually inserted through a flexible bronchoscope. This method of achieving instant recanalization of airways has been established for over 20 years, but published experience comprises limited case series. OBJECTIVES: This study describes a single large-volume referral center experience, including clinical outcomes and safety profile. METHODS: Electronic medical records of 156 patients who underwent bronchoscopic CD between December 2007 and March 2012 as the primary method to relieve airway obstruction were reviewed retrospectively. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The most frequent cause of airway obstruction was malignancy (n = 88), with non-small-cell lung cancer and metastatic renal cell carcinoma being the most common etiologies. The site of obstruction was localized to the central airways in 63 patients (40%) and the distal airways in 44 patients (28%), and it was diffuse in 49 patients (32%). Bronchoscopic airway patency was achieved in 95% of patients, with the highest success rates found in those with obstruction localized in the central airways. Improvement in symptoms occurred in 118 (82%) of 144 symptomatic patients. Serious complications were reported in 17 patients (11%) and included respiratory distress, severe bleeding, airway injury, and hemodynamic instability. All patients responded to treatment, and no intra- or postoperative deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONS: CD, when used alone or in combination with other endoscopic treatment modalities, appears to be safe and effective in treating endoluminal airway obstruction.

Browsing by Author "Folch, Erik"

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