Radial Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound Research Articles

3D airway geometry analysis of factors in airway navigation failure for lung nodules

BackgroundThis study aimed to quantitatively reveal contributing factors to airway navigation failure during radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) by using geometric analysis in a three-dimensional (3D) space and to investigate the clinical feasibility of prediction models for airway navigation failure.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent R-EBUS between January 2017 and December 2018. Geometric quantification was analyzed using in-house software built with open-source python libraries including the Vascular Modeling Toolkit (http://www.vmtk.org), simple insight toolkit (https://sitk.org), and sci-kit image (https://scikit-image.org). We used a machine learning-based approach to explore the utility of these significant factors.ResultsOf the 491 patients who were eligible for analysis (mean age, 65 years +/- 11 [standard deviation]; 274 men), the target lesion was reached in 434 and was not reached in 57. Twenty-seven patients in the failure group were matched with 27 patients in the success group based on propensity scores. Bifurcation angle at the target branch, the least diameter of the last section, and the curvature of the last section are the most significant and stable factors for airway navigation failure. The support vector machine can predict airway navigation failure with an average area under the curve of 0.803.ConclusionsGeometric analysis in 3D space revealed that a large bifurcation angle and a narrow and tortuous structure of the closest bronchus from the lesion are associated with airway navigation failure during R-EBUS. The models developed using quantitative computer tomography scan imaging show the potential to predict airway navigation failure.

Incremental Application of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure for the Evaluation of Atelectasis During RP-EBUS and Bronchoscopy (I-APPEAR).

CT-to-body divergence-described as the difference between preprocedural CT scans and intraprocedural lung architecture-is a significant barrier to improving diagnostic yield during navigational bronchoscopy. A major proposed contributor to CT-to-body divergence is the development of atelectasis, which can confound visualization of peripheral lung lesions via radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS). High positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ventilatory strategies have been used to decrease atelectasis, allowing the lesion to re-APPEAR on intraprocedure imaging. However, standardized PEEP levels may not be appropriate for all patients due to hemodynamic and ventilatory impacts. We performed a multicenter, prospective observational study in which patients were imaged with RP-EBUS under general anesthesia to determine if subsegmental atelectasis would resolve as incremental increases in PEEP were applied. Resolution of atelectasis was based on the transition from a non-aerated pattern to an aerated appearance on RP-EBUS. RP-EBUS images were reviewed by 3 experienced operators to determine correlation. Forty-three patients underwent RP-EBUS examination following navigational bronchoscopy. Thirty-seven patients underwent incremental PEEP application and subsequent RP-EBUS imaging. Atelectasis was determined to have resolved in 33 patients (88.2%) following increased PEEP. The intraclass correlation coefficient between reviewers was 0.76. A recruitment maneuver was performed in 7 (16.3%) patients after atelectasis persisted at maximal PEEP. Atelectasis was not identified in the examined subsegments in 6 (10.8%) patients despite zero PEEP. RP-EBUS is an effective tool to monitor what pressure atelectasis within a lung segment has resolved with increasing levels of PEEP.

DNA image cytometry of bronchial washing as a diagnostic adjunct to radial endobronchial ultrasound-guided sampling of peripheral lung lesions: A single center prospective study.

The objective of this study is to study the adjunct role of combining DNA aneuploidy analysis with radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS)-guided sampling for diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions (PPLs). A single-center prospective study was conducted in patients undergoing R-EBUS-guided sampling for PPLs. DNA image cytometry (DNA-ICM) was used to analyze DNA aneuploidy in bronchial washing from the bronchial segment of the PPL. Clinical information, R-EBUS data, pathology, DNA-ICM results, and follow-up data were analyzed. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for R-EBUS-guided sampling, DNA-ICM, and the two methods combined were measured. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine influencing factors on diagnostic positivity rate. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff point for DNA-ICM. A total of 101 patients were enrolled. Sixty-four (63.4%) patients had confirmed malignant tumor, of whom 33 were confirmed by R-EBUS-guided sampling (biopsy and/or bronchial brush and wash cytology), and 31 by surgery or percutaneous lung biopsy. Thirty-seven patients were finally considered to have benign lesions, based on clinical information and 1-year follow-up. The sensitivity for malignant disease was 51.6% by R-EBUS, and specificity was 100%. DNA-ICM had a sensitivity of 67.2% and a specificity of 86.5%. When combining the two methods, sensitivity increased to 78.1% and specificity was 86.5%. Lesion size and whether the R-EBUS probe was located in the lesion were significantly associated with positivity rate of the combined methods. The optimal cutoff point for DNA-ICM was 5c for max DNA content, and 1 for aneuploid cell count (sensitivity 67.2%, specificity 86.5%, accuracy 63.4%). In malignant PPLs, DNA-ICM combined with R-EBUS-guided sampling can improve diagnostic positivity compared with either method alone.

Endobronchial ultrasound: a pictorial essay.

endobronchial ultrasound has gained widespread popularity in the last decade, becoming the primary technique for minimally invasive evaluation of the mediastinum and staging of lung cancer. Several tertiary and quaternary care institutes use this method, performed by trained and accredited specialists. Its main indications are (I) diagnosis and staging of lung cancer, (II) mediastinal lymphadenopathy diagnosis (III) sampling peripheral pulmonary lesions. this manuscript aims to describe the operational potential of both convex endobronchial ultrasound probe and radial endobronchial ultrasound probe technology, focusing on lung cancer. This narrative review is complemented with by the description of peculiar clinical cases in which endobronchial ultrasound played a pivotal role in reaching the diagnosis.

The diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions: transbronchial biopsy using a radial probe endobronchial ultrasound

Background: Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS) has been used in the diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions (PLLs). We reviewed the traditional modality of transbronchial biopsy using RP-EBUS as well as recent developments in improving the diagnostic yield.Current Concepts: Until now, the forceps biopsy of PLLs has played a key role in acquiring tissue samples during the RP-EBUS procedures. Forceps biopsy is a safe and minimally invasive procedure; however, its diagnostic yield was reported to be around 70%, which is significantly lower than that of percutaneous needle aspiration or biopsy. So far, various studies have been conducted to improve the diagnostic yield of the RP-EBUS procedure. The combination of novel navigation systems, such as virtual or electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopies, for locating PLLs in the complex bronchial tree has increased the diagnostic yield of the RP-EBUS procedure. Moreover, newly developed ancillary devices, such as the PeriView FLEX needle or cryobiopsy, as well as traditional modalities such as the guide sheath and brushing cytology, can improve the outcomes of the RP-EBUS procedures. Concerning the bronchoscope size, it has been confirmed that a 3 mm-diameter ultrathin bronchoscope has a higher diagnostic yield than a 4 mm-diameter thin bronchoscope.Discussion and Conclusion: RP-EBUS is a safe and useful method to diagnose PLLs. When traditional and novel modalities are appropriately combined, the diagnostic yield can be increased.

Mobile Cone-Beam CT-Assisted Bronchoscopy for Peripheral Lung Lesions

Peripheral bronchoscopy with the use of thin/ultrathin bronchoscopes and radial-probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS) has been associated with a fair diagnostic yield. Mobile cone-beam CT (m-CBCT) could potentially improve the performance of these readily available technologies. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients undergoing bronchoscopy for peripheral lung lesions with thin/ultrathin scope, RP-EBUS, and m-CBCT guidance. We studied the performance (diagnostic yield and sensitivity for malignancy) and safety (complications, radiation exposure) of this combined approach. A total of 51 patients were studied. The mean target size was 2.6 cm (SD, 1.3 cm) and the mean distance to the pleura was 1.5 cm (SD, 1.4 cm). The diagnostic yield was 78.4% (95 CI, 67.1-89.7%), and the sensitivity for malignancy was 77.4% (95 CI, 62.7-92.1%). The only complication was one pneumothorax. The median fluoroscopy time was 11.2 min (range, 2.9-42.1) and the median number of CT spins was 1 (range, 1-5). The mean Dose Area Product from the total exposure was 41.92 Gy·cm2 (SD, 11.35 Gy·cm2). Mobile CBCT guidance may increase the performance of thin/ultrathin bronchoscopy for peripheral lung lesions in a safe manner. Further prospective studies are needed to corroborate these findings.

Cone-beam computed tomography-guided endobronchial ultrasound using an ultrathin bronchoscope for diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions: a prospective pilot study.

Multimodal transbronchial biopsy (TBB) may have improved diagnostic yield for peripheral pulmonary lesions suspected as lung cancer. Radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) provides real-time imaging and confirmation of the location of the lesions. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can confirm that the forceps tip has reached the lesion before biopsy. Patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions and a positive computed tomography (CT) bronchus sign (based on slice thickness of 1 mm) were prospectively enrolled. An ultrathin bronchoscope (UTB) and R-EBUS probe were advanced to the target bronchus. Thereafter, forceps were advanced, and CBCT was performed. R-EBUS was performed for re-navigation, if possible. The obtained EBUS and CBCT images were classified into "within" (type 1), "adjacent to" (type 2), or "far from" (type 3), based on the probe or forceps tip. For 20 lesions, the diagnostic yield was 85%. The primary EBUS images were of types 1, 2, and 3 in 12, 6, and 2 cases, respectively. The primary CBCT images were of types 1, 2, and 3 in 12, 6, and 2 cases, respectively. Primary EBUS and CBCT image types were equivalent in 14 cases. Of the 12 cases with type 1 primary EBUS image, 9 cases had a type 1 primary CBCT image, while 3 cases exhibited positional misalignment of the forceps tip. Re-navigation was required in 8 cases with types 2 and 3 primary CBCT images. CBCT-guided TBB using an UTB and EBUS may enable real-time positioning guidance and better re-navigation in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions.

The Additive Impact of Transbronchial Cryobiopsy Using a 1.1-mm Diameter Cryoprobe on Conventional Biopsy for Peripheral Lung Nodules.

The diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy (TBB) using radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS) is 71%, which is lower than that of transthoracic needle biopsy. We investigated the performance and safety of sequential transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBC) using a novel 1.1-mm diameter cryoprobe, after conventional TBB using RP-EBUS for the diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions (PLLs). From April 2021 to November 2021, 110 patients who underwent bronchoscopy using RP-EBUS for the diagnosis of PLL ≤ 30 mm were retrospectively included in our study. All records were followed until June 2022. The overall diagnostic yield of combined TBB and TBC was 79.1%, which was higher than 60.9% of TBB alone (p=0.005). The diagnostic yield of sequential TBC was 65.5%, which increased the overall diagnostic yield by 18.2%. The surface area of tissues by TBC (mean area, 18.5 mm2) was significantly larger than those of TBB by 1.5-mm forceps (3.4 mm2, p < 0.001) and 1.9-mm forceps (3.7 mm2, p=0.011). In the multivariate analysis, PLLs with the longest diameter of ≤ 22 mm were found to be related to additional diagnostic benefits from sequential TBC (odds ratio, 3.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.043 to 11.775; p=0.042). Complications were found in 10.5% of the patients: pneumothorax (1.0%), infection (1.0%), and significant bleeding (8.6%). None of the patients developed any life-threatening complications. Sequential TBC with a 1.1-mm cryoprobe improved the performance of conventional TBB using RP-EBUS without serious complications.

CLINICO-PATHOLOGICAL PROFILE OF BRONCHOSCOPICALLY INVISIBLE MALIGNANT PERIPHERAL PULMONARY LESIONS DIAGNOSED IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Background: With the evolution of risk factors along with development of newer diagnostic tools, the clinical and pathological characteristics of lung cancers show a changing trend over time. The diagnosis of lung cancers presenting as peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL) remains a challenge. This study aims to look at the current trend of PPLs who underwent diagnostic workup in a tertiary care center located in India. Methods: This retrospective analysis using a prospectively maintained hospital database was performed in patients who underwent diagnostic evaluation of PPLs and were subsequently diagnosed with lung cancer. Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS) guided biopsy was the initial diagnostic modality used. The data was processed and analyzed using the Microsoft Excel Sheet version 2013 and SPSS version 20. Results: Sixty patients underwent evaluation for PPLs during the study period. Lung cancer was the final diagnosis in 27 patients. Mean age was 60±12 years and 21 (77.8%) were females. Majority of patients were either current (n=13, 48%) or reformed (n=8, 29.6%) smokers. Adenocarcinoma (n=17, 62.9%) was the most common pathological diagnosis. The most common location of the lesions was upper lobes (n=19, 70.4%) followed by right lower lobe (n=5, 18.5%). Two patients developed pneumothorax and respiratory failure requiring intubation, one with terminal stage adenocarcinoma died during hospitalization. Conclusions: The presence of adenocarcinoma, female sex, smoking status and upper lobe predominance reflects the current trend of peripheral lung cancers. RP-EBUS is a newer modality and may be a useful initial diagnostic tool for PPLs and with a good safety profile.

EP13.01-003 Diagnostic Yield of Radial Probe Endobronchial Ultrasonography without Fluoroscopic guidance in Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions

Although the radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) has been used for the investigation of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs), it’s diagnostic performance has remained unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of R-EBUS guided TBB (transbronchial biopsy) without fluoroscopy to diagnose PPLs through systematic review and meta-analysis.

Robotic-assisted Bronchoscopy and Cone-beam CT: A Retrospective Series.

Robotic-assisted Bronchoscopy and Cone-beam CT: A Retrospective Series.

Ventilatory Strategy to Prevent Atelectasis During Bronchoscopy Under General Anesthesia: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (Ventilatory Strategy to Prevent Atelectasis -VESPA- Trial)

Atelectasis negatively influences peripheral bronchoscopy, increasing CT scan-body divergence, obscuring targets, and creating false-positive radial-probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS) images. Can a ventilatory strategy reduce the incidence of atelectasis during bronchoscopy under general anesthesia? Randomized controlled study (1:1) in which patients undergoing bronchoscopy were randomized to receive standard ventilation (laryngeal mask airway, 100%Fio2, zero positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP]) vsa ventilatory strategy to prevent atelectasis (VESPA) with endotracheal intubation followed by a recruitment maneuver, Fio2 titration (< 100%), and PEEP of 8 to 10cm H2O. All patients underwent chest CT imaging and a survey for atelectasis with RP-EBUS bilaterally on bronchial segments 6, 9, and 10 after artificial airway insertion (time 1) and 20 to 30min later (time 2). Chest CT scans were reviewed by a blinded chest radiologist. RP-EBUS images were assessed by three independent, blinded readers. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with any atelectasis (either unilateral or bilateral) at time 2 according to chest CT scan findings. Seventy-six patients were analyzed, 38 in each group. The proportion of patients with any atelectasis according to chest CT scan at time 2 was 84.2%(95%CI, 72.6%-95.8%) in the control group and 28.9%(95%CI, 15.4%-45.9%) in the VESPA group (P< .0001). The proportion of patients with bilateral atelectasis at time 2 was 71.1%(95%CI, 56.6%-85.5%) in the control group and 7.9%(95%CI, 1.7%-21.4%) in the VESPA group (P< .0001). At time 2, 3.84 ± 1.67 (mean ± SD) bronchial segments in the control group vs1.21 ± 1.63 in the VESPA group were deemed atelectatic (P< .0001). No differences were found in the rate of complications. VESPA significantly reduced the incidence of atelectasis, was well tolerated, and showed a sustained effect over time despite bronchoscopic nodal staging maneuvers. VESPA should be considered for bronchoscopy when atelectasis is to be avoided. ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT04311723; URL: www. gov.

Technology update and field expansion of bronchoscopy interventional diagnosis in 2021

In recent years, with the rapid development of interventional pulmonary diseases, new instruments and new concepts are constantly updated. The increased detection rate of pulmonary nodules increases the demand of patients. These factors jointly promote the continuous progress of bronchoscopy diagnosis and treatment technology. The following techniques including thin/ultrathin bronchoscopes, radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS), and navigation bronchoscopy including virtual navigation bronchoscopy (VNB) and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB), robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB), frozen biopsy for the diagnosis of diffuse lung diseases are particularly prominent and important in clinical practice. This paper reviews the progress and application of bronchoscopy in interventional diagnosis through the review of literature published in 2021.

Diagnosis of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases using transbronchial cryobiopsy guided by endobronchial ultrasound compared to clinicoradiological diagnosis.

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effect of transbronchial cryobiopsy guided by radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS) compared with clinicoradiological diagnoses in diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLDs). A total of 60 patients with DPLDs confirmed by chest computed tomography (CT) who underwent transbronchial lung cryobiopsy guided by RP-EBUS were enrolled. The ultrasound images were obtained and identified together with corresponding chest CT characteristics. The cryobiopsy samples were evaluated histopathologically and compared with CT imaging, and the complications were analyzed. The multidisciplinary diagnosis was clear in 51 (85%) participants but unclear in the remaining 9 (15%) participants. In transbronchial cryobiopsy guided by RP-EBUS, 36 (60%) participants had the biopsy in 1 lobe while 24 (40%) had a biopsy in 2 different lobes, with a mean biopsy specimen size of 43.17±15.25 mm2. The histopathologic diagnosis based on biopsy confirmed the preprocedural clinicoradiological diagnosis in 51 (85%) patients and clarified the diagnosis in the other 9 patients with unclear clinicoradiological diagnosis, including alveolated lung parenchyma with interstitial chronic inflammation in 4 (6.7%) cases and chronic bronchiolitis and interstitial lymphocytic infiltrates in the other 5 (8.3%). Intraprocedural complications occurred in 57 (95%) patients, including pneumothorax in 9 (15%), bleeding in 47 (78.3%), and hypoxemia in 1 (1.7%). The ultrasound images of DPLDs were normal, mesh (n=24), nodular (n=9), and alveolar type (n=27). Transbronchial cryobiopsy guided by RP-EBUS is safe and effective and can supply additional information to the clinicoradiological approach for correct diagnosis of DPLDs.

Hierarchical clock-scale hand-drawn mapping as a simple method for bronchoscopic navigation in peripheral pulmonary nodule

BackgroundA feasible and economical bronchoscopic navigation method in guiding peripheral pulmonary nodule biopsy is lacking.ObjectiveTo investigate the utility of hierarchical clock-scale hand-drawn mapping for bronchoscopic navigation in peripheral pulmonary nodules.MethodsWe developed a hierarchical clock-scale hand-drawn mapping for bronchoscopic navigation in peripheral pulmonary nodules. Patients with peripheral pulmonary nodules were recruited and assigned to two groups in this retrospective study, subjects in VBN group received conventional bronchoscopy in conjunction with virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) and radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS) for biopsy (VBN group), while HBN group underwent ultrathin bronchoscopy and RP-EBUS under the guidance of hand-drawn bronchoscopic navigation (HBN). The demographic characteristics, procedural time, operating cost and diagnostic yield were compared between these two groups.ResultsForty-eight patients with peripheral pulmonary nodule were enrolled in HBN group, while 42 in VBN group. There were no significant differences between VBN and HBN groups in terms of age, gender, lesion size, location and radiographic type. The time of planning pathway (1.32 vs. 9.79 min, P < 0.001) and total operation (23.63 vs. 28.02 min, P = 0.002), as well as operating cost (758.31 ± 125.21 vs.1327.70 ± 116.25 USD, P < 0.001) were markedly less in HBN group, compared with those in VBN group. The pathological diagnostic efficiency of benign and malignant disease in HBN group appeared similar with those in VBN group, irrespective of the size of pulmonary lesion (larger or smaller than 20 mm). The total diagnostic yield of HBN had no marked difference from that of VBN (75.00% vs. 61.90%, P = 0.25).ConclusionsHierarchical clock-scale hand-drawn mapping for bronchoscopic navigation could serve as a feasible and economical method for guiding peripheral pulmonary nodule biopsy, providing a comparable diagnostic yield in comparison with virtual bronchoscopic navigation.

Advances in Diagnostic Bronchoscopy.

The increase in incidental discovery of pulmonary nodules has led to more urgent requirement of tissue diagnosis. The peripheral pulmonary nodules are especially challenging for clinicians. There are various modalities for diagnosis and tissue sampling of pulmonary lesions, but most of these modalities have their own limitations. This has led to the development of many advanced technical modalities, which have empowered pulmonologists to reach the periphery of the lung safely and effectively. These techniques include thin/ultrathin bronchoscopes, radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS), and navigation bronchoscopy—including virtual navigation bronchoscopy (VNB) and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB). Recently, newer technologies—including robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB), cone-beam CT (CBCT), and augmented fluoroscopy (AF)—have been introduced to aid in the navigation to peripheral pulmonary nodules. Technological advances will also enable more precise tissue sampling of smaller peripheral lung nodules for local ablative and other therapies of peripheral lung cancers in the future. However, we still need to overcome the CT-to-body divergence, among other limitations. In this review, our aim is to summarize the recent advances in diagnostic bronchoscopy technology.

Robotic Bronchoscopy for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesion Biopsy: Evidence-Based Review of the Two Platforms.

Despite many advancements in recent years for the sampling of peripheral pulmonary lesions, the diagnostic yield remains low. Initial excitement about the current electromagnetic navigation platforms has subsided as the real-world data shows a significantly lower diagnostic sensitivity of ~70%. “CT-to-body divergence” has been identified as a major limitation of this modality. In-tandem use of the ultrathin bronchoscope and radial endobronchial ultrasound probe has yielded only comparable results, attributable to the limited peripheral reach, device maneuverability, stability, and distractors like atelectasis. As such, experts have identified three key steps in peripheral nodule sampling—navigation (to the lesion), confirmation (of the correct location), and acquisition (tissue sampling by tools). Robotic bronchoscopy (RB) is a novel innovation that aspires to improve upon these aspects and consequently, achieve a better diagnostic yield. Through this publication, we aim to review the technical aspects, safety, feasibility, and early efficacy data for this new diagnostic modality.

Radial EBUS-Guided Cryobiopsy of Peripheral Lung Lesions With Flexible Bronchoscopy Without Using Guide-Sheath.

A guide-sheath (GS) is conventionally used as a conduit for biopsy forceps under the guidance of radial endobronchial ultrasound (REBUS) for sampling the peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). As compared with forceps, the cryoprobe has the advantage of obtaining larger samples. There is a paucity of literature on the use of cryobiopsy for PPL. We evaluated the diagnostic yield and safety of the REBUS-guided cryobiopsy (REBUS-CB) without using GS for the diagnosis of PPL. We retrospectively analyzed the database of 126 patients with PPL between November 2015 and December 2019. The REBUS-CB was performed using a flexible bronchoscopy without GS. Multidisciplinary consensus diagnostic yield was determined and procedural complications were recorded. The histopathologic diagnosis by REBUS-CB, which is the primary objective of the study was obtained in 99 (78.6%) of total 126 cases. Yield was significantly higher in central lesions as compared to adjacent lesions visualized by the REBUS probe (81.4% versus 53.8%, P=0.021) but not significantly different between large (≥30 mm) and small (<30 mm) lesions (81.6% versus 71.8%, P=0.214). The average largest diameter of biopsy specimens was 6.9 mm (range 1-12, SD 2.132). We witnessed moderate bleeding in 7 (5.6%) and post procedure hypoxic respiratory failure in 4 (3.2%) cases which could be managed without escalation of care. The REBUS-CB from peripheral lung lesions are feasible even without using GS and significantly large samples can be obtained.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of radial ultrasound bronchoscopy-guided "cocktail" specimens as an efficient method for the diagnosis of focal pulmonary infections: a randomised study.

To investigate the value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in the diagnosis of focal pulmonary infections by using radial ultrasound bronchoscopic "cocktail" specimens. From March 2019 to May 2020, 90 patients with focal pulmonary infections [locatable by a radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS)] treated by the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital (Suzhou, China) were randomly allocated to the "cocktail" group, transbronchial brushing (TBBr) group or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) group; 30 patients were assigned to each group. Using the extracted material, the diagnostic efficacy of the mNGS test for pathogen detection was compared across the three groups, and the effect of an antibiotic treatment on detection rate was assessed. The sensitivity of mNGS analysis in cocktail group, TBBr group and BALF group was 90% (27/30), 66.7 (20/30) and 50% (15/30), respectively. The analysis of the sensitivity of the positive test, the detection rate of multiple pathogens, and the effect of antibiotics on the detection rate by mMGS indicated that the "cocktail" group was significantly higher number of samples positive for pathogens than the TBBr group (P<0.05), and the TBBr group was significantly higher number of samples positive for pathogens than the BALF group (P<0.05). "Cocktail" specimens had high sensitivity in the identification of focal pathogens, and the use of antibiotics had little effect on the results of the mNGS analysis. These clinically valuable results can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with focal pulmonary infections.

Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy Combined Endobronchial Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Lung Nodules.

Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) combined with a radial endobronchial ultrasound probe realizes a combination of magnetic navigation and ultrasound imaging, allowing for the accurate navigation of peripheral lung lesions in real time during surgery. ENB has been evaluated in many studies. However, a comparative report on the feasibility of ENB combined radial endobronchial ultrasound diagnosis in different density lung nodules was small, and few of these studies have reported long-term follow-up results to exclude false negative results. The aim of this study is to explore the applicability of ENB combined radial endobronchial ultrasound in the diagnosis of lung nodules with different densities.Patients underwent biopsy in our medical center from 2016-09 to 2019-03 were divided into 2 groups: the solid nodule group and the subsolid pulmonary nodule group. We collected and analyzed the diagnostic accuracy, the diagnostic yield, the false negative rate and the incidence of complications between these 2 groups.A total of 37 lesions in 25 patients were biopsied, 14 lesions were subsolid pulmonary nodules and 23 were solid nodules. The diagnostic accuracy (success rate to obtain meaningful pathology tissues) was 34/37 (91.8%). Lost to follow-up in 1 case and three cases were undiagnosed. After at least 12 months of follow-up, the total diagnostic yield (true positive rate+ true negative rate) was 27/36 (75%) (P = .006). The false negative rate was 9/19 (47.3%) (P = .26). Complications occurred in 1/36 (2.7%) lesions. For the subsolid pulmonary nodule group, the diagnostic accuracy was 13/14 (92.8%) and the diagnostic yield was 7/14 (50%). For the solid nodule group, the diagnostic accuracy was 21/23 (91.3%), and the diagnostic yield was 20/22 (90.9%).Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy combined with radial endobronchial ultrasound in peripheral lung nodule biopsies is safe and effective, especially for solid nodules, but the diagnostic yield in subsolid nodule biopsies remains to be improved.