BRONCHOSCOPY IN SPACE: OVERCOMING MEDICAL AND ENGINEERING CHALLENGES IN A ZERO-GRAVITY ENVIRONMENT

Performing medical procedures in space introduces unique challenges due to the absence of gravity and limited access to Earth-based medical resources. Bronchoscopy, an essential procedure for diagnosing and treating respiratory tract issues, becomes more complicated in a microgravity environment. This paper discusses the key medical and engineering challenges involved in performing bronchoscopy aboard spacecraft, focusing on fiberoptic engineering and the adaptations required for successful interventions. Solutions for managing secretion clearance, instrument stabilization, and patient positioning in zero gravity are explored, with an emphasis on case studies, hypothetical scenarios, and future advancements in.