Browsing by Author "Tremblay, Alain"

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    A Recalcitrant Foreign Body
    (2012-01-01) Gillson, Ashley; Tremblay, Alain
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    An Evaluation of Procedural Training in Canadian Respirology Fellowship Programs: Program Directors’ and Fellows’ Perspectives
    (2009-01-01) Stather, David Ryan; Jarand, Julie; Silvestri, Gerard A; Tremblay, Alain
    BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been a rapid growth in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed by respirologists.OBJECTIVES: To assess the number and type of procedures performed in Canadian respirology training programs, for comparison with the American College of Chest Physicians minimum competency guidelines, and to assess fellow satisfaction with procedural training during their fellowships.METHODS: Internet-based surveys of Canadian respirology fellows and respirology fellowship program directors were conducted.RESULTS: Response rates for program director and respirology fellow surveys were 71% (10 of 14) and 62% (41 of 66), respectively. Thirty-eight per cent of respirology fellows reported the presence of an interventional pulmonologist at their institution. Flexible bronchoscopy was the only procedure reported by a large majority of respirology fellows (79.5%) to meet American College of Chest Physicians recommendations (100 procedures). As reported by respirology fellows, recommended numbers of procedures were met by 59.5% of fellows for tube thoracostomy, 21% for transbronchial needle aspiration and 5.4% for closed pleural biopsy. Respirology fellows in programs with an interventional pulmonologist were more likely to have completed some form of additional interventional bronchoscopy training (80% versus 32%; P=0.003), had increased exposure to and expressed improved satisfaction with training in advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, but did not increase their likelihood of achieving recommended numbers for any procedures.CONCLUSIONS: Canadian respirology fellows perform lower numbers of basic respiratory procedures, other than flexible bronchoscopy, than that suggested by the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines. Exposure and training in advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures is minimal. A concerted effort to improve procedural training is required to improve these results.
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    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prevalence and prediction in a high-risk lung cancer screening population
    (2020-11-16) Goffin, John R; Pond, Gregory R; Puksa, Serge; Tremblay, Alain; Johnston, Michael; Goss, Glen; Nicholas, Garth; Martel, Simon; Bhatia, Rick; Liu, Geoffrey; Schmidt, Heidi; Atkar-Khattra, Sukhinder; McWilliams, Annette; Tsao, Ming-Sound; Tammemagi, Martin C; Lam, Stephen
    Abstract Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an underdiagnosed condition sharing risk factors with lung cancer. Lung cancer screening may provide an opportunity to improve COPD diagnosis. Using Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer (PanCan) study data, the present study sought to determine the following: 1) What is the prevalence of COPD in a lung cancer screening population? 2) Can a model based on clinical and screening low-dose CT scan data predict the likelihood of COPD? Methods The single arm PanCan study recruited current or former smokers age 50–75 who had a calculated risk of lung cancer of at least 2% over 6 years. A baseline health questionnaire, spirometry, and low-dose CT scan were performed. CT scans were assessed by a radiologist for extent and distribution of emphysema. With spirometry as the gold standard, logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with COPD. Results Among 2514 recruited subjects, 1136 (45.2%) met spirometry criteria for COPD, including 833 of 1987 (41.9%) of those with no prior diagnosis, 53.8% of whom had moderate or worse disease. In a multivariate model, age, current smoking status, number of pack-years, presence of dyspnea, wheeze, participation in a high-risk occupation, and emphysema extent on LDCT were all statistically associated with COPD, while the overall model had poor discrimination (c-statistic = 0.627 (95% CI of 0.607 to 0.650). The lowest and the highest risk decile in the model predicted COPD risk of 27.4 and 65.3%. Conclusions COPD had a high prevalence in a lung cancer screening population. While a risk model had poor discrimination, all deciles of risk had a high prevalence of COPD, and spirometry could be considered as an additional test in lung cancer screening programs. Trial registration (Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00751660 , registered September 12, 2008)
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    Development and application of an electronic synoptic report for reporting and management of low-dose computed tomography lung cancer screening examination
    (2022-06-11) Tremblay, Alain; Ezer, Nicole; Burrowes, Paul; MacGregor, John H.; Lee, Andrew; Armstrong, Gavin A.; Pereira, Raoul; Bristow, Michael; Taylor, Jana L.; MacEachern, Paul; Taghizadeh, Niloofar; Koetzler, Rommy; Bedard, Eric
    Abstract Background Interpretation of Low Dose CT scans and protocol driven management of findings is a key aspect of lung cancer screening program performance. Reliable and reproducible methods are needed to communicate radiologists’ interpretation to the screening program or clinicians driving management decision. Methods We performed an audit of a subset of dictated reports from the PANCAN study to assess for omissions. We developed an electronic synoptic reporting tool for radiologists embedded in a clinical documentation system software. The tool was then used for reporting as part of the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Study and McGill University Health Centre Pilot Lung Cancer Screening Program. Results Fifty reports were audited for completeness. At least one omission was noted in 30 (70%) of reports, with a major omission (missing lobe, size, type of nodule in report or actionable incidental finding in recommendation section of report) in 24 (48%). Details of the reporting template and functionality such as automated nodule cancer risk assessment, Lung-RADS category assignment, auto-generated narrative type report as well as personalize participant results letter is provided. A description of the system’s performance in its application in 2815 CT reports is then summarized. Conclusions We found that narrative type radiologist reports for lung cancer screening CT examinations frequently lacked specific discrete data elements required for management. We demonstrate the successful implementation of a radiology synoptic reporting system for use in lung cancer screening, and the use of this information to drive program management and communications.
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    Endobronchial Electrocautery and Argon Plasma Coagulation: A Practical Approach
    (2004-01-01) Tremblay, Alain; Marquette, Charles-Hugo
    The present review covers the technical and practical aspects of endobronchial electrocautery, including argon plasma coagulation, which have great potential for widespread use by pulmonologists around the world. The various electrocautery modes, power settings and electrode probes are described in detail, and the authors' clinical and technical approach is demonstrated with a narrative description and brief case presentations. Malignant airway obstruction, hemoptysis, web-like stenosis, stent related granulation tissue and early lung carcinomas are the most common indications for treatment. Advantages of electrocautery, such as low cost, rapid effect, safety and ease of use, are contrasted to other endobronchial therapeutic modalities. Published experience with electrocautery is reviewed.
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    Evaluating hemoptysis hospitalizations among patients with bronchiectasis in the United States: a population-based cohort study
    (2021-12-01) Lim, Rachel K.; Tremblay, Alain; Lu, Shengjie; Somayaji, Ranjani
    Abstract Background The burden of hospitalizations and mortality for hemoptysis due to bronchiectasis is not well characterized. The primary outcome of our study was to evaluate in-hospital mortality in patients admitted with hemoptysis and bronchiectasis, as well as the rates of bronchial artery embolization, length of stay, and hospitalization costs. Methods The authors queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) claims database for hospitalizations between 2016 and 2017 using the ICD-10-CM codes for hemoptysis and bronchiectasis in the United States. Multivariable regression was used to evaluate predictors of in-hospital mortality, embolization, length of stay, and hospital costs. Results There were 8240 hospitalizations (weighted) for hemoptysis in the United States from 2016 to 2017. The overall in-hospital mortality was 4.5%, but higher in males compared to females. Predictors of in-hospital mortality included undergoing three or more procedures, age, and congestive heart failure. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) was utilized during 2.1% of hospitalizations and was more frequently used in those with nontuberculous mycobacteria and aspergillus infections, but not pseudomonal infections. The mean length of stay was 6 days and the median hospitalization cost per patient was USD $9,610. Having comorbidities and procedures was significantly associated with increased length of stay and costs. Conclusion Hemoptysis is a frequent indication for hospitalization among the bronchiectasis population. In-hospital death occurred in approximately 4.5% of hospitalizations. The effectiveness of BAE in treating and preventing recurrent hemoptysis from bronchiectasis needs to be explored.
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    Evaluation of a Novel Method of Teaching Endobronchial Ultrasound: Physician- Versus Respiratory Therapist-Proctored Simulation Training
    (2013-01-01) Stather, David Ryan; Chee, Alex; MacEachern, Paul; Dumoulin, Elaine; Hergott, Christopher A; Gelberg, Jacob; Scott, Sandra D; De Guzman, Sylvia; Tremblay, Alain
    BACKGROUND: Computer endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) simulators have been demonstrated to improve trainee procedural skills before attempting to perform EBUS procedures on patients.OBJECTIVE: To compare EBUS performance following training with computer simulation proctored by EBUS-trained respiratory therapists versus the same simulation training proctored by an interventional respirologist.METHODS: The present analysis was a prospective study of respiratory medicine trainees learning EBUS. Two cohorts of trainees were evaluated using a previously validated method using simulated cases with performance metrics measured by the simulator. Group 1 underwent EBUS training by performing 15 procedures on an EBUS simulator (n=4) proctored by an interventional respirologist. Group 2 received identical training proctored by a respiratory therapist with special training in EBUS (n=10).RESULTS: No significant differences between group 1 and group 2 were apparent for the primary outcome measures of total procedure time (15.15±1.34 min versus 14.78±2.88 min; P=0.816), the percentage of lymph nodes successfully identified (88.8±5.4 versus 80.91±8.9; P=0.092) or the percentage of successful biopsies (100.0±0.0 versus 98.75±3.95; P=0.549). The learning curves were similar between groups, and did not show an obvious plateau after 19 simulated procedures in either group.DISCUSSION: Acquisition of basic EBUS technical skills can be achieved using computer EBUS simulation proctored by specially trained respiratory therapists or by an interventional respirologist. There appeared to be no significant advantage to having an interventional respirologist proctor the computer EBUS simulation.
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    Mediastinal Staging for Lung Cancer
    (2014-01-01) Gelberg, Jacob; Grondin, Sean; Tremblay, Alain
    Staging of the mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes plays a crucial role in identifying the best treatment option for patients with confirmed or suspected lung cancer and, in many cases, can simultaneously confirm a diagnosis of cancer. Noninvasive modalities, such as computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET) and PET-CT, are an important first step in this assessment. Ultimately, invasive staging is frequently required to confirm or rule out the presence of metastatic disease within the lymph nodes. The present focused review describes and compares noninvasive and invasive modalities for mediastinal staging in lung cancer.
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    Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection following rituximab treatment: clinical course and response to therapeutic interventions correlated with quantitative viral cultures and cycle threshold values
    (2022-02-05) Thornton, Christina S.; Huntley, Kevin; Berenger, Byron M.; Bristow, Michael; Evans, David H.; Fonseca, Kevin; Franko, Angela; Gillrie, Mark R.; Lin, Yi-Chan; Povitz, Marcus; Shafey, Mona; Conly, John M.; Tremblay, Alain
    Abstract Background Detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA is completed through reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) from either oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal swabs, critically important for diagnostics but also from an infection control lens. Recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 patients can demonstrate prolonged viral shedding with immunosuppression as a key risk factor. Case presentation We present a case of an immunocompromised patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection demonstrating prolonged infectious viral shedding for 189 days with virus cultivability and clinical relapse with an identical strain based on whole genome sequencing, requiring a multi-modal therapeutic approach. We correlated clinical parameters, PCR cycle thresholds and viral culture until eventual resolution. Conclusions We successfully demonstrate resolution of viral shedding, administration of COVID-19 vaccination and maintenance of viral clearance. This case highlights implications in the immunosuppressed patient towards infection prevention and control that should consider those with prolonged viral shedding and may require ancillary testing to fully elucidate viral activity. Furthermore, this case raises several stimulating questions around complex COVID-19 patients around the role of steroids, effect of antiviral therapies in absence of B-cells, role for vaccination and the requirement of a multi-modal approach to eventually have successful clearance of the virus.
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    Self-Expandable Metallic Stents in Nonmalignant Large Airway Disease
    (2015-01-01) Fortin, Marc; MacEachern, Paul; Hergott, Christopher A; Chee, Alex; Dumoulin, Elaine; Tremblay, Alain
    Airway self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) were initially studied in malignant airway obstruction; however, their use in benign airway diseases has become progressively more frequent. This may be explained by their ease of insertion compared with silicone stents, which require rigid bronchoscopy for insertion. While initial experience with SEMS in benign disease suggested efficacy and promising short-term safety profile, long-term follow-up revealed significant complication rates. In addition to a high complication rate, the management of these complications is made more difficult by the semipermanent nature of these devices. Reported complications include infection, granulation tissue formation, stent migration, stent fracture, airway perforation and fistula formation, as well as extension of the initial injury, potentially eliminating other therapeutic options such as surgical resection. Therefore, SEMS should only be used in nonmalignant large airway disease as a last resort for patients in whom other endoscopic methods, including silicone stents and dilations, as well as surgical options have failed or are technically not feasible.
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    Severe Airway Injury Due to Alendronate Aspiration
    (2013-01-01) MacEachern, Paul; Brazil, Aiden; Tremblay, Alain; Stather, David R; Chee, Alex C; Chou, Julie
    Sequelae of foreign body aspiration can range from clinically silent and asymptomatic to immediate asphyxiation and death. Only two previous cases of bisphosphonate tablet aspiration have been reported. Ulcerative esophagitis, a known adverse effect of oral bisphosphonate formulations, occurs primarily with prolonged exposure of esophageal mucosa to the medication. Little is known about the effects of bisphosphonates on the airway mucosa. The authors present a case involving an 84-year-old woman who required multiple bronchoscopic debridements, intubation for airway protection and intensive care unit admission following airway injury believed to be due to delayed recognition of aspiration of an alendronate tablet.
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    Treatment at Disease-progression in EGFR-mutated NSCLC Patients: Results from a single Canadian Institution
    (2016) Tudor, Roxana; Bebb, Gwyn; Kopciuk, Karen; Brenner, Darren; Tremblay, Alain; MacEachern, Paul
    Optimal treatment beyond disease-progression (PD) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), is not well-defined. In this retrospective study, the following aims were set out: 1) compare outcomes and profile of EGFRmut+ NSCLC patients to large cohorts of lung-cancer patients from the Glans-Look lung cancer database -GLD; 2) examine the frequency of continuing TKI treatment beyond PD in EGFRmut+ patients; 3) examine overall survival (OS) and post-progression survival (PPS) according to clinicopathological characteristics and; 4) propose a new PD-scoring model to help guide subsequent treatment formulation. Compared to the GLD-NSCLC cohort without systemic chemotherapy, EGFRmut+ patients were more likely to be younger, female and Asian. Further, continuing TKI treatment beyond PD was associated with improved OS and PPS vs. discontinuation of TKI. A non-independent relationship between EGFRmutation type and smoking history was identified.
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    Wet Laboratory Versus Computer Simulation for Learning Endobronchial Ultrasound: A Randomized Trial
    (2012-01-01) Stather, David R; MacEachern, Paul; Chee, Alex; Dumoulin, Elaine; Hergott, Christopher A; Tremblay, Alain
    BACKGROUND: Linear endobronchial ultrasound with transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a revolutionary bronchoscopic procedure that is challenging to learn.OBJECTIVES: To compare two methods used to teach EBUS-TBNA: wet laboratory (lab) versus computer EBUS-TBNA simulation.METHODS: A prospective, randomized study of respirologists, thoracic surgeons and trainees learning EBUS-TBNA at a two-day continuing medical education course. All subjects received education via a series of lectures and live cases, followed by randomization to learn EBUS-TBNA predominantly either by wet lab simulation (n=6) or computer simulation (n=6). All subjects then completed testing of their EBUS-TBNA skills via a previously validated method using simulated cases on EBUS-TBNA simulators and questionnaires evaluating learner preferences.RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the computer EBUS-TBNA simulator group and the wet lab group in procedure time (25.3±6.1 min versus 25.2±2.5 min; P=0.984) and percentage of successful biopsies (81.3±14.9% versus 74.0±17.3%; P=0.453). The computer simulator group performed significantly better than the wet lab group in the percentage of lymph nodes correctly identified (70.4±16.7% versus 42.9±19.9%; P=0.002). Wet lab simulation was associated with increased learner confidence with operating the real EBUS-TBNA bronchoscope. All subjects responded that wet lab and computer EBUS-TBNA simulation offered important complementary learning opportunities.DISCUSSION: Computer EBUS-TBNA simulation leads to improved skill at correctly identifying lymph nodes, while wet lab simulation provided increased learner confidence due to increased realism.CONCLUSION: Computer EBUS-TBNA simulation and wet lab simulation are effective methods of learning basic EBUS-TBNA skills and appeared to be complementary.