Noninvasive Ventilation During Endoscopic Procedures: Rationale, Clinical Use, and Devices

Positive preliminary results have been reported in several clinical contexts, including traditional and hybrid operating rooms and intensive care units. Ventilatory support has been delivered during prolonged transesophageal cardiac examinations and interventions, broncoscopic maneuvers, and in difficult airway scenarios. Furthermore, the availability of innovative dedicated devices has allowed for some interventional procedures that require endoscopy to be peformed with the patient under sedation and on ventilatory support with noninvasive ventilation instead of general anesthesia. These approaches might be further expanded in the future and possibly reduce costs, organizational requirements, and complications compared using standard management with general anesthesia.