The procedure for viewing the airways through an instrument inserted into the trachea is called?

The procedure for viewing the airways through an instrument inserted into the trachea is known as bronchoscopy. This technique involves the use of a bronchoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera and light source, allowing healthcare providers to visualize the air passages and diagnose respiratory conditions. Bronchoscopy is often used to collect tissue samples, remove obstructions, or assess abnormalities within the lungs and bronchi.

In contrast, the other procedures mentioned do not involve direct visualization of the airways in the same manner. A CT-guided needle biopsy involves using imaging technology to guide a needle to a specific area of the lung for tissue sampling. A lung perfusion scan assesses blood flow in the lungs using radioactive material, primarily for diagnosing pulmonary embolism and other vascular issues. Thoracentesis is a procedure used to remove fluid from the pleural space surrounding the lungs but does not involve visualization of the airways. Hence, bronchoscopy is the precise term for the procedure described.