Spatial mapping of VOC exhalation by means of bronchoscopic sampling

Breath analysis holds promise for non-invasive in vivo monitoring of disease related processes.
However, physiological parameters may considerably affect profiles of exhaled volatile organic
substances (VOCs). Volatile substances can be released via alveoli, bronchial mucosa or from the
upper airways. The aim of this study was the systematic investigation of the influence of different
sampling sites in the respiratory tract on VOC concentration profiles by means of a novel
experimental setup. After ethical approval, breath samples were collected from 25 patients
undergoing bronchoscopy for endobronchial ultrasound or bronchoscopic lung volume reduction from
different sites in the airways. All patients had total intravenous anaesthesia under
pressure-controlled ventilation. If necessary, respiratory parameters were adjusted to keep P ET CO
2 = 35 –45 mm Hg. 30 ml gas were withdrawn at six sampling sites by means of gastight glass syringes:
S1 = Roo...

Source: Journal of Breath Research - October 4, 2020 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Patricia Fuchs, Markus Trautner, Radost Sa ß, Svend Kamysek, Wolfram Miekisch, Andrea Bier, Paul Stoll and Jochen K Schubert Source Type: research