Diagnostic value of ultrathin bronchoscopy in peripheral pulmonary lesions: a narrative review

Masahide Oki; Hideo Saka

doi:10.21037/jtd-2020-abpd-001

Diagnostic value of ultrathin bronchoscopy in peripheral pulmonary lesions: a narrative review

J Thorac Dis. 2020 Dec;12(12):7675-7682. doi: 10.21037/jtd-2020-abpd-001.

Authors

Masahide Oki¹, Hideo Saka^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan.
² Department of Respiratory Medicine, Matsunami General Hospital, Kasamatsu, Japan.

Abstract

Flexible bronchoscopes are being continuously improved, and an ultrathin bronchoscope with a working channel that allows the use of a radial-type endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) probe is now available. The ultrathin bronchoscope has good maneuverability for passing through the small bronchi and good accessibility to peripheral lung lesions. This utility is particularly enhanced when it is used with other imaging devices, such as EBUS and navigation devices. Multimodality bronchoscopy using an ultrathin bronchoscope leads to enhanced diagnostic yield.

Keywords: Bronchoscopy; endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS); peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs); ultrathin bronchoscope; virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN).

Publication types

Review