Pleural Cryoprobe Biopsy During Semirigid Pleuroscopy

Abstract

SESSION TITLE: Disorders of the Pleura Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Poster PRESENTED ON: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the diagnostic value, size and quality of parietal pleural biopsy using cryoprobe compared with SFF. The secondary aim was to evaluate safety, tolerability and the ease of using cryoprobe. METHODS: 22 patients with exudative pleural effusions were recruited for cryoprobe and SFF biopsy during flex-rigid pleuroscopy by a single interventional pulmonologist. Patients acted as their own controls. 4 biopsies with cryoprobe and 4 biopsies using SFF were performed in each patient. These biopsies were read by a single pathologist. RESULTS: Diagnostic yield for both cryoprobe and SFF were 100% (22 out of 22 patients). Cryobiopsy tissue samples were assessed to be superior to those obtained by SFF in terms of interpretability and percentage of crush artefacts by the pathologist. The median size of cryobiopsy was also larger at 0.6cm, when compared to 0.2cm by SFF. There were no significant complications (pain and bleeding) with both methods of biopsy. Both methods of biopsy were equally well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoprobe biopsy produces larger and higher quality tissue samples when compared to SFF. Diagnostic yield, safety and tolerability for both methods of biopsy are similar. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The cryoprobe is an easier method of parietal pleural biopsy during flex-rigid pleuroscopy which is especially useful in the biopsy of smooth infiltrated fibrotic parietal pleura. Using the cryoprobe during pleuroscopy may translate to shorter procedural time and lesser use of sedation and analgesia. DISCLOSURE: The following authors have nothing to disclose: Mei Fong Liew, Ju Ee Seet, Yvette Jee, Pyng Lee No Product/Research Disclosure Information