Yield and Complications of Endobronchial Ultrasound Using the Expect Endobronchial Ultrasound Needle

Abstract

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) stands as the gold standard for sampling the mediastinum and possesses the capability to detect a diverse range of disease processes. The EBUS needle industry has been experiencing rapid advancement, characterized by numerous companies either enhancing existing needles or introducing innovative ones. The majority of EBUS studies to date have predominantly utilized the OlympusTM Vizishot needles, which are constructed from stainless steel. In this paper, we focus on the evaluation of a cobalt chromium needle, namely the ExpectTM EBUS needle, with a specific emphasis on its diagnostic efficacy and any associated complications. It is important to note that our investigation is conducted independently, and we do not provide a comparative analysis with other needle types available in the market. Methods: This is an institutional review board-approved retrospective analysis of all patients who have undergone an EBUS-TBNA lymph node sampling using the ExpectTM needle between August 2016 and September 2017 at the IU Health University Hospital. Comparisons of clinical characteristics by complications, diagnosis, needle gauge, and lymph node size were performed using chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: 75% of the 102 included patients had their procedures done with the 22-gauge needle which were majorly performed in the setting of suspected intrathoracic malignancy followed by sarcoidosis and lymphoma. 99% of the patients had no complications after their procedures which were almost all diagnostic with two cases of bronchoscope damage. Mutational analysis was successful with both the 22 and 25-Gauge needles. Conclusion: In this paper, we demonstrate that the ExpectTM 22 and 25-gauge needles are safe and effective when used for EBUS-TBNAs through the OlympusTM EBUS bronchoscope for the evaluation of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy.