A pitfall during endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial forceps biopsy of the mediastinal lymph nodes

Abstract

The high diagnostic yield and favorable safety profile of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial forceps biopsy of the mediastinal lymph nodes have been recently demonstrated. We report an unusual technical problem during endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial forceps biopsy that could be a prerequisite for severe complications. A rupture of the steering band precluded closure of the forceps jaws opened in the subcarinal lymph node. A solution to the problem is presented, together with other procedure-related complications reported in the literature. The report emphasizes that a dysfunction of the forceps steering band can result in severe complications when it occurs during transbronchial sampling of mediastinal lesions.