Date: November 26, 2013

TO: All members of WABIP

RE: Death of Dr. Youichi Watanabe

Dear friend, colleague and fellow member of the WABIP,

It is with great sadness that I am informing you of the death today of Doctor Youichi Watanabe following his brave battle against a prolonged illness.

Dr. Watanabe was Director of Interventional Pulmonology at the Okayama Red Cross Hospital, Japan. He was a dear friend and supporter of the WABIP who will be remembered for his smile and good humor as well as for his creative and innovative spirit.

Since first reporting the use of silicone plugs for airway occlusion in 1991, he subsequently developed the Watanabe Spigot for cases of pneumothorax, prolonged airleak, emphysema, and bronchoscopic lung volume reduction.

On behalf of the executive committee of the WABIP, please join me in sending our condolences to his family.

Most respectfully,

Henri Colt MD
Chairman, WABIP