Preface

Since the conception and development of the rigid bronchoscope pioneered by Professor Gustav Killian and the flexible instrument by Professor Shigeto Ikeda, the art and science of “Bronchoscopy and Interventional Pulmonology” has continued to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of our patients. Although the purpose of our “art” has not significantly changed since Hippocrates (460–370 BC) conceived using a reed to open the airway of a suffocating patient, the array of procedures is expanding as early diagnosis and treatment improves patient care and our “machinery” progresses.