EBUS Scope Research Articles

Feasibility and Safety of Transesophageal Mediastinal Cryobiopsy in the Diagnosis of Mediastinal Pathologies

Introduction: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of mediastinal pathologies. Its greatest limitation has been the low diagnostic yield in lymphoproliferative disorders as well as insufficient samples for molecular testing. Transesophageal examinations using an EBUS scope have helped increase the diagnostic yield by allowing for additional biopsies of paraesophageal and intra-abdominal lesions. Similarly, the novel approach of transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy has further increased the yield by providing larger and better-preserved biopsies. Both complimentary techniques have shown great individual feasibility and safety. However, the feasibility of transesophageal cryobiopsies in the evaluation of mediastinal pathologies remains a subject of debate. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the safety and feasibility of transesophageal EBUS-guided mediastinal cryobiopsies performed at our center. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 30 patients who underwent mediastinal cryobiopsy through the esophagus at our institution between October 2023 and March 2024. Data on patient demographics, diagnostic yield, and complications were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean patient age was 43 years, with a gender distribution of 60% male and 40% female. The primary indications included suspicion of lymphoproliferative disorders, suspected sarcoidosis, and malignancies with paraesophageal lesions. The overall diagnostic yield was 93%. No major complications were noted in any of the patients. Conclusion: Transesophageal mediastinal cryobiopsy appears to be a promising complimentary technique for mediastinal evaluation with a relatively high diagnostic yield and favorable safety profile. However, further studies with larger cohorts are warranted to validate the findings at our institution.

AN ALTERNATE APPROACH: TRANSESOPHAGEAL BRONCHOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND-GUIDED FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION (EUS-B-FNA) TO ASSESS PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA

AN ALTERNATE APPROACH: TRANSESOPHAGEAL BRONCHOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND-GUIDED FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION (EUS-B-FNA) TO ASSESS PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA

Mediastinal "deep freeze"-transcarinal lymph node cryobiopsy.

BackgroundThe diagnostic yield of endobronchial ultrasound‐transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) from mediastinal lymph nodes ranges from 66%–89%. However, in many cases cytologic material is not sufficient for full molecular evaluation. A novel method of transcarinal cryobiopsy aims to provide bronchoscopically obtained, larger specimen samples from mediastinal lymph nodes. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of transcarinal EBUS‐guided lymph node cryobiopsy.MethodsPatients referred for EBUS‐TBNA, based on abnormal mediastinal clinical and radiographic findings, were enrolled into this prospective interventional study between July 2020 and August 2021. All EBUS‐TBNA procedures were performed using ProCore 22G needle (Cook Medical) to create, both a transcarinal tract for the cryoprobe and to obtain TBNA samples. For EBUS guided transcarinal cryobiopsy, we used flexible 1.1 mm or 1.7 mm cryoprobe inserted into the working channel of the EBUS scope and into the target subcarinal lymph node.ResultsTwenty‐four patients with male predominance 2:1 and mean age of 60.12 ± 10.16 years were enrolled. All target lymph nodes had hypoechoic, homogenic consistency with demarcated borders, without central structures. Cryobiopsy provided pathological diagnosis in 20 cases (83.33%), with 1.1 mm cryoprobe in 14 and with 1.7 mm cryoprobe in 6 cases. In one case each, pathology was provided by TBNA or by cryoprobe alone. No immediate or late complications were encountered during the procedures.ConclusionTranscarinal EBUS guided lymph node cryobiopsy following EBUS‐TBNA proved to be efficient with a high diagnostic yield and can be considered safe, because no immediate or late complications occurred.

Qualitative role of endobronchial elastography with endobronchial ultrasound in differentiating malignant and benign lesions: a retrospective single-center study from India

BackgroundEndobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is useful in guiding needle biopsy of mediastinal lesions. Sonoelastography in latest generation machines have enabled mapping the elasticity of the lymph nodes (LNs) leading to potentially better guidance in taking samples.AimWe aim to assess the practical usefulness of elastography in assessing mediastinal lymphadenopathy by comparing the patterns seen on EBUS elastography with the final pathological diagnosis from EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration.Patients and methodsThe EBUS scope (convex) was intubated via the oral route, and images were generated to evaluate the patterns produced during elastography according to color distribution: type 1 was taken as predominantly nonblue (yellow, red, and green); type 2 was less than 50% blue color, part nonblue (yellow, red, and green); type 3 predominant blue. Elastography patterns were subsequently compared with the eventual pathological results.ResultsIn the study period, 105 LNs in 80 patients were studied, 79 were found to be of benign nature while 26 patients were diagnosed as malignancy. Type 1 LNs were of benign pathology in 42/46 (91.30%) cases and malignant in 4/ 46 (8.70%) cases; for type 2 LNs, 24/30 (80%) cases were benign and 6/30 (20%) cases were malignant. Type 3 nodes were found to be of benign nature in 13/29 (44.82%) cases and malignant in 16 (55.14%) cases. On classifying type 1 group and type 2 group as ‘benign’ and type 3 group as malignant in nature, the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy rates were found to be 83.54, 61.54, 86.84, 55.17, and 78.10%.ConclusionsThe addition of elastography while performing EBUS of mediastinal lymphadenopathy is a technique that may be helpful in selecting sites for EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration; however, more studies are needed to access its practical usefulness.

Loss of flexion during bronchoscopy: a physical experiment and case study of commercially available systems.

During routine endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) procedures, especially with biopsy of lymph nodes in or around the left upper lobe, frequent reports have noted the loss of ultrasound image and needle angulation leading to an inability to biopsy nodes visualised by EBUS. The aim of this research was to investigate and compare this loss of angulation with commercially available scopes. Bench-top experiments and a clinical case study demonstrated the varying loss of scope angulation, flexibility and manoeuvrability with different scopes and biopsy instruments leading to procedural implications. Improvements in both the EBUS scope and needle characteristics are required to overcome this limitation which has implications in bronchoscope navigation and the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA.

Endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration by experienced pulmonologists: a cusum analysis

Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS TBNA) is an established, minimally invasive way to sample intrathoracic abnormalities. The EBUS scope can be passed into the oesophagus to perform endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-B-FNA). In cases of suspected lung cancer, a combination of the two techniques is now recommended by consensus guidelines. EBUS TBNA is usually performed by pulmonologists; however, the learning curve for EUS-B-FNA, which may be performed during the same procedure, has not been described.A multicentre, observational Australian study, using prospectively collected data from three experienced pulmonologists was conducted. Cumulative sum (cusum) analysis was used to generate visual learning curves.A total of 152 target lesions were sampled in 137 patients, with an overall sensitivity for malignancy of 94.8%. The sensitivity for malignant lesions outside of the 2009 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer lymph node map (largely intraparenchymal lesions) was 92.9%. All three operators were competent by conventional cusum criteria. There was one case of pneumothorax, and no episodes of mediastinitis or oesophageal perforation were observed.Our data suggest that experienced pulmonologists can safely and accurately perform EUS-B-FNA, with a high diagnostic sensitivity for both lymph node and non-nodal lesions.

PUB028 The Use of an EBUS TBNA Friendly Larynx Mask

Optimal performance of endobronchial ultrasound guided trans-bronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) requires both anesthesia care and procedural sedation with the aim of providing patient with as much comfort as possible while also ensuring the operating physician has optimal working conditions. By managing the airway with a supraglottic airway, the upper para-tracheal nodes will be accessible. Deep anesthesia can be avoided, due to effective usage of local topical anesthesia will ensure stable operating conditions without coughing or other discomfort for the patient. The Ambu AuraGain is a second-generation supraglottic airway with a short wide airway tube, combined with a flat back plate creates stability after placement and a better access of the EBUS-TBNA scope. The oral part of the tube prevents the possibility of harming the scope if the patient bites the teeth together The objective of this study was to assess the clinical performance of the AuraGain used as a conduit for EBUS-TBNA. The study included 20 cases, ASA II-III, eligible for a size 3, 4 or 5 supraglottic airway. The assessment included insertion, working as a conduit for bronchoscopy, fiberoptic assessment of anatomic fit and complications. After each procedure the performance were evaluated by the anesthetist and the endoscopist. First attempt insertion success rate was 95% with an overall success rate of a 100%. Average intra cuff pressure to obtain seal was 55.55 cmH2O, and ventilation was performed without leak at up to pPeak of 35 cmH2O which was the maximum pressure permitted. Assessment of ease of maneuvering an EBUS scope via the AuraGain was evaluated. Especially the resistance to advance, retract and rotate the scope in the trachea and the bronchial tree was evaluated based on a 3-point scale, defined as: little resistance, moderate resistance or high resistance. 90% recorded passing a scope as being with little resistance, moderate resistance was felt in 2 cases, and no records of high resistance was experienced. One episodes of patient coughing and biting was recorded, which was due to inadequate anesthesia, but because of the integrated bite absorption area, no dental damage or damage to the scope occurred. Fiberoptically assessment of alignment of AuraGain and the trachea was recorded as 100% satisfactory to accommodate performance of the EBUS procedure with needle aspiration of lymphoid nodes of down 3.mm. The AuraGain was effectively utilized for airway management and with a high degree of success for as a conduit for EBUS-TBNA.

EUS-B-FNA vs conventional EUS-FNA for left adrenal gland analysis in lung cancer patients

IntroductionIn patients with lung cancer, left adrenal glands (LAG) suspected for distant metastases (M1b) based on imaging require further evaluation for a definitive diagnosis. Tissue acquisition is regularly performed using conventional EUS-FNA. The aim of this study was to investigate the success rate of endoscopic ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration using the EBUS scope (EUS-B-FNA) for LAG analysis. MethodsThis is a prospective multicenter study in consecutive patients with (suspected) lung cancer and suspected mediastinal and LAG metastases. Following complete mediastinal staging using the EBUS scope (EBUS+EUS-B), the LAG was evaluated and sampled by both EUS-B (experimental procedure) and conventional EUS (current standard of care). ResultsThe success rate for LAG analysis (visualized, sampled and adequate tissue obtained) was 89% (39/44; 95% CI 76–95%) for EUS-B-FNA, and 93% (41/44; 95%CI 82–98%) for EUS-FNA. In the absence of metastases at EUS-B and/or EUS, surgical verification of the LAG or 6 months clinical and radiological follow-up was obtained, but missing for 5 patients. The prevalence of LAG metastases was 54% (21/39). In patients in whom LAG was seen and sampled, sensitivity for LAG metastases was at least 87% (95%CI 65–97%) for EUS-B, and at least 83% (95%CI 62–95%) for conventional EUS. ConclusionLAG analysis by EUS-B shows a similar high success rate in comparison to conventional EUS. ImplicationBoth a mediastinal nodal and LAG evaluation can be adequately performed with just an EBUS scope and single endoscopist. This staging strategy is likely to reduce patient-burden and costs.

Nasal route for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA): An alternative modality in difficult oral bronchoscope insertion.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is usually performed under moderate sedation through the oral approach. Oral insertion is performed owing to the larger size of the EBUS bronchoscope as well as the delicate and rigid distal end with an integrated ultrasound transducer assembly. Nasal route for EBUS scope insertion has been described as a feasible alternative. We herein report a patient wherein inability to introduce the EBUS bronchoscope through the mouth necessitated nasal insertion of the bronchoscope to successfully perform EBUS-TBNA. We discuss the relevant issues comparing the nasal and oral introduction of the EBUS bronchoscope.

Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration: a hybrid method.

Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (cTBNA) was first performed approximately 30 years ago; however TBNA was not widely adopted until the development of endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). Current EBUS-TBNA needle sizes are limited to 21- and 22-gauge. In order to determine whether a 19-gauge (19G) needle in EBUS-TBNA can further improve the diagnostic yield and simplify the methodology of EBUS-TBNA we developed a hybrid method. Here we report our initial experience in assessing the feasibility of performing EBUS-TBNA using a conventional 19G TBNA needle. Ten patients with diagnosed or suspected lung cancer with or without lymphadenopathy (LAD) were sampled for diagnostic and/or staging purposes. Patients with suspected benign processes were sampled only for diagnosis. A 19G cTBNA needle was deployed through the working channel of the EBUS bronchoscope. Samples obtained were evaluated for cyto- and histopathologic adequacy. All 10 patients successfully underwent hybrid 19G EBUS-TBNA. All samples were considered adequate for cyto- and histopathologic evaluation. Hybrid EBUS-TBNA utilizing a 19G cTBNA needle through an EBUS scope is feasible and may be able to reliably acquire histologic specimens.

Combined endobronchial and esophageal endosonography for the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline, in cooperation with the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS).

This is an official guideline of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), produced in cooperation with the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS). It addresses the benefit and burden associated with combined endobronchial and esophageal mediastinal nodal staging of lung cancer. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) approach was adopted to define the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence.The article has been co-published with permission in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and the European Respiratory Journal. Recommendations 1 For mediastinal nodal staging in patients with suspected or proven non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with abnormal mediastinal and/or hilar nodes at computed tomography (CT) and/or positron emission tomography (PET), endosonography is recommended over surgical staging as the initial procedure (Recommendation grade A). The combination of endobronchial ultrasound with real-time guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and endoscopic (esophageal) ultrasound with fine needle aspiration, with use of a gastrointestinal (EUS-FNA) or EBUS (EUS-B-FNA) scope, is preferred over either test alone (Recommendation grade C). If the combination of EBUS and EUS-(B) is not available, we suggest that EBUS alone is acceptable (Recommendation grade C).Subsequent surgical staging is recommended, when endosonography does not show malignant nodal involvement (Recommendation grade B). 2 For mediastinal nodal staging in patients with suspected or proven non-small-cell peripheral lung cancer without mediastinal involvement at CT or CT-PET, we suggest that EBUS-TBNA and/or EUS-(B)-FNA should be performed before therapy, provided that one or more of the following conditions is present: (i) enlarged or fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET-avid ipsilateral hilar nodes; (ii) primary tumor without FDG uptake; (iii) tumor size ≥ 3 cm (Fig. 3a - c) (Recommendation grade C). If endosonography does not show malignant nodal involvement, we suggest that mediastinoscopy is considered, especially in suspected N1 disease (Recommendation grade C).If PET is not available and CT does not reveal enlarged hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes, we suggest performance of EBUS-TBNA and/or EUS-(B)-FNA and/or surgical staging (Recommendation grade C). 3 In patients with suspected or proven < 3 cm peripheral NSCLC with normal mediastinal and hilar nodes at CT and/or PET, we suggest initiation of therapy without further mediastinal staging (Recommendation grade C). 4 For mediastinal staging in patients with centrally located suspected or proven NSCLC without mediastinal or hilar involvement at CT and/or CT-PET, we suggest performance of EBUS-TBNA, with or without EUS-(B)-FNA, in preference to surgical staging (Fig. 4) (Recommendation grade D). If endosonography does not show malignant nodal involvement, mediastinoscopy may be considered (Recommendation grade D). 5 For mediastinal nodal restaging following neoadjuvant therapy, EBUS-TBNA and/or EUS-(B)-FNA is suggested for detection of persistent nodal disease, but, if this is negative, subsequent surgical staging is indicated (Recommendation grade C). 6 A complete assessment of mediastinal and hilar nodal stations, and sampling of at least three different mediastinal nodal stations (4 R, 4 L, 7) (Fig. 1, Fig. 5) is suggested in patients with NSCLC and an abnormal mediastinum by CT or CT-PET (Recommendation grade D). 7 For diagnostic purposes, in patients with a centrally located lung tumor that is not visible at conventional bronchoscopy, endosonography is suggested, provided the tumor is located immediately adjacent to the larger airways (EBUS) or esophagus (EUS-(B)) (Recommendation grade D). 8 In patients with a left adrenal gland suspected for distant metastasis we suggest performance of endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) (Recommendation grade C), while the use of EUS-B with a transgastric approach is at present experimental (Recommendation grade D). 9 For optimal endosonographic staging of lung cancer, we suggest that individual endoscopists should be trained in both EBUS and EUS-B in order to perform complete endoscopic staging in one session (Recommendation grade D). 10 We suggest that new trainees in endosonography should follow a structured training curriculum consisting of simulation-based training followed by supervised practice on patients (Recommendation grade D). 11 We suggest that competency in EBUS-TBNA and EUS-(B)-FNA for staging lung cancer be assessed using available validated assessment tools (Recommendation Grade D).

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Sheath Placement to Guide Transbronchial Biopsy of Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy and Lung Mass

A patient with a history of lung adenocarcinoma, which was treated with chemoradiation, presented to our interventional pulmonology clinic for suspicion of recurrent lung cancer. The patient had a PET-avid right upper-lobe mass and subcarinal lymphadenopathy. We performed a curvilinear endobronchial ultrasound (CP-EBUS) with transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA), followed by transbronchial EBUS-guided biopsies (TBB) of the subcarinal lymph node using miniforceps. The EBUS needle sheath was inserted over the needle through the bronchial wall and advanced into the lymph node. The EBUS-guided placement of the transbronchial sheath facilitated the miniforcep insertion and the performance of multiple transbronchial biopsies. Given success with this method, we further developed this technique in a second patient with a right lower-lobe mass. In an effort to obtain adequate tissue and minimize repeated efforts at miniforcep guidance into the lesion, we inserted a radial EBUS guide sheath through the curvilinear EBUS scope and guided it into the lesion using the miniforceps. We therefore used the radial sheath as a placeholder while obtaining repeated TBB using miniforceps as described. These modifications of previously described techniques allow for maximal and expeditious sampling of target lymph nodes and masses, with sufficient material obtained for histopathologic analysis.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration for lung cancer staging: early experience in Brazil.

Objective: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive, safe and accurate method for collecting samples from mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. This study focused on the initial results obtained with EBUS-TBNA for lung cancer and lymph node staging at three teaching hospitals in Brazil. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with lung cancer and submitted to EBUS-TBNA for mediastinal lymph node staging. The EBUS-TBNA procedures, which involved the use of an EBUS scope, an ultrasound processor, and a compatible, disposable 22 G needle, were performed while the patients were under general anesthesia. Results: Between January of 2011 and January of 2014, 149 patients underwent EBUS-TBNA for lymph node staging. The mean age was 66 ± 12 years, and 58% were male. A total of 407 lymph nodes were sampled by EBUS-TBNA. The most common types of lung neoplasm were adenocarcinoma (in 67%) and squamous cell carcinoma (in 24%). For lung cancer staging, EBUS-TBNA was found to have a sensitivity of 96%, a specificity of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 85%. Conclusions: We found EBUS-TBNA to be a safe and accurate method for lymph node staging in lung cancer patients.

Staging lung cancer: role of endobronchial ultrasound.

Accurate staging is the first step in the management of lung cancer. Nodal staging is quite important for physicians to be able to judge the primary operability of patients harboring no distant metastasis. For many years, mediastinoscopy has been considered a “gold standard” modality for nodal staging. Mediastinoscopy is known to be a highly sensitive procedure for mediastinal staging and has been performed worldwide, but is invasive. Because of this, clinicians have sought a less invasive modality for nodal staging. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive modality for diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. EBUS-TBNA is a needle biopsy procedure that has accessibility compatible with the reach of the convex-probe EBUS scope, so N1 nodes are also assessable. The diagnostic yield is similar to that of mediastinoscopy, and the core obtained by the dedicated needle biopsy can be used for histological assessment to determine the subtypes of lung cancer. The samples can also be used to test for various biomarkers using immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction for DNA/complementary DNA, and in situ hybridization, and the technique is useful for selecting candidates for specific molecular-targeted therapeutic agents. According to the newly published American College of Chest Physicians guideline, EBUS-TBNA is now considered “the best first test” for nodal staging in patients with radiologically suspicious nodes. Appropriate training and thorough clinical experience is required to be able to perform correct nodal staging using this procedure.

Harpooning Lung Mass: Transaortic Fine Needle Aspiration With EBUS Scope

Harpooning Lung Mass: Transaortic Fine Needle Aspiration With EBUS Scope

A Comparison of Approaches With the EBUS Scope: Airway Versus Esophageal

SESSION TITLE: Bronchoscopy and Interventional Procedures Posters I

You Used an EBUS Scope to Do What?

SESSION TITLE: Bronchoscopy and Interventional Procedures Posters II

EBUS-TBNA by a new Fuji EBUS scope (with video).

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) has been widely used for sampling of the mediastinum and hilar lesions for diagnosis or for staging of lung cancer. The viewing fields of EBUS Scope are 35 or 45 degrees forward oblique. This makes the manipulation of the scope very difficult. Plus its bigger external diameter, it is unusable for routine airway examination and biopsy. It is uncomfortable for the patient and often need general anesthesia and usually is preceded by a standard bronchoscopic examination. We tested a Fuji EBUS scope (EB-530 US) extensively on a bronchial cast and EBUS teaching phantom, then applied to the patient. This case report describes the unique quality of this EBUS scope and its potential. It has a 10 degrees forward oblique view and smaller external diameter. It might be able to eliminate the need of a second scope and makes the TBNA with or without EBUS simpler to do and easier to learn.

PWE-210 Endobronchial videoscope for transesophageal/transgastric EUS-FNA in special situations: a novel tool for the gastrointestinal endosonographer

IntroductionOesophageal strictures/narrowing pose a distinct challenge during linear pancreatico-biliary endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) examination as the linear echoendoscope has a relatively rigid tip, large diameter and is oblique viewing. Significant oesophageal...

Transgastric endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) in patients with esophageal narrowing using the ultrasonic bronchovideoscope

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EBUS-FNA) is emerging as a critical technology in the evaluation of mediastinal lesions and is increasingly regarded as complementary to endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in this arena. This complementary role may extend into the abdomen in cases where esophageal strictures prevent the passage of the echoendoscope. The objective of the study was to characterize the uses of EBUS-FNA in the evaluation of gastrointestinal lesions in patients with esophageal narrowing. The study design was a single-center case series. The setting was in a tertiary referral center. Four patients underwent EBUS-FNA to evaluate gastrointestinal lesions; esophageal strictures prevented EUS passage in three, the fourth patient did not tolerate transbronchial EBUS but had abdominal lesions within reach of the EBUS scope. EBUS was used to evaluate the liver, adrenal gland, a retroperitoneal mass, and a celiac axis lymph node. EBUS-FNA has greater potential to evaluate abdominal lesions than has been previously recognized. The EBUS scope represents a safe and readily available technology to evaluate patients with esophageal strictures. Interventional endoscopists should be exposed to this modality.