Assessment of Advanced Diagnostic Bronchoscopy Outcomes for Peripheral Lung Lesions: A Delphi Consensus Definition of Diagnostic Yield and Recommendations for Patient-centered Study Designs. An Official American Thoracic Society/American College of Chest Physicians Research Statement.

Background: Advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy targeting the lung periphery has developed at an accelerated pace over the last two decades, whereas evidence to support introduction of innovative technologies has been variable and deficient. A major gap relates to variable reporting of diagnostic yield, in addition to limited comparative studies. Objectives: To develop a research framework to standardize the evaluation of advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy techniques for peripheral lung lesions. Specifically, we aimed for consensus on a robust definition of diagnostic yield, and we propose potential study designs at various stages of technology development. Methods: Panel members were selected for their diverse expertise. Workgroup meetings were conducted in virtual or hybrid format. The cochairs subsequently developed summary statements, with voting proceeding according to a modified Delphi process. The statement was cosponsored by the American Thoracic Society and the American College of Chest Physicians. Results: Consensus was reached on 15 statements on the definition of diagnostic outcomes and study designs. A strict definition of diagnostic yield should be used, and studies should be reported according to the STARD (Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) guidelines. Clinical or radiographic follow-up may be incorporated into the reference standard definition but should not be used to calculate diagnostic yield from the procedural encounter. Methodologically robust comparative studies, with incorporation of patient-reported outcomes, are needed to adequately assess and validate minimally invasive diagnostic technologies targeting the lung periphery. Conclusions: This American Thoracic Society/American College of Chest Physicians statement aims to provide a research framework that allows greater standardization of device validation efforts through clearly defined diagnostic outcomes and robust study designs. High-quality studies, both industry and publicly funded, can support subsequent health economic analyses and guide implementation decisions in various healthcare settings.

Contemporary Concise Review 2023: Advances in lung cancer and interventional pulmonology.

Eligibility criteria for lung cancer screening increasingly need to consider family history of lung cancer, as well as age and smoking status. Lung cancer screening will reveal a multitude of incidental findings, of variable clinical significance, and with a need for clear pathways of management. Pulmonary nodule sampling is enhanced by intra-procedural imaging and cutting-edge robotic technology. Systematic thoracic lymph node sampling has implications for treatment efficacy. Bronchoscopic ablative techniques are feasible for peripheral lung cancers. Bronchoscopic sampling continues to have a high yield for lung cancer molecular characterization. Immunotherapy indications have expanded to include early stage and resectable lung cancer.

Effective Radiation Dose from Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Guidance during Bronchoscopic Tumour Ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Endobronchial radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a novel minimally invasive approach to management of peripheral non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in medically inoperable patients. Minimally invasive ablative techniques are generally delivered with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) guidance. CBCT requires a significant number of two dimensional imaging projections to be acquired which is then reconstructed as a three-dimensional cone-beam image. The objective of this study was to determine the radiation dosimetry consequent to use of CBCT guidance for bronchoscopic RFA. METHODS: Post hoc analysis of data following bronchoscopic RFA of stage I biopsy-confirmed NSCLC performed with CBCT. Effective dose estimates for these patients were calculated using PCXMC2.0 software. RESULTS: Ten patients underwent bronchoscopic RFA, with a median 3 (range 2-4) CBCT spins per procedure. Mean dose area product (DAP) per procedure was 7,778 µGy.m2 (±4,743) with an effective dose of 11.6 mSv (±7.4). The DAP per spin for these 10 patients varied from 83.8 to 8,625.6 µGy.m2 (effective dose range 0.15-13.81 mSv). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to report radiation dosimetry consequent to CT guidance for bronchoscopic RFA procedures. Effective doses appear comparable to other CT fluoroscopic procedures.

Radiation Principles, Protection, and Reporting for Interventional Pulmonology: A World Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology White Paper.

The use and availability of diverse advanced X-ray based imaging and guidance systems in the field of interventional pulmonology are rapidly growing. This popularity links inextricably to an increase in ionizing radiation use. Knowing ionizing radiation is hazardous, knowledge and competent use of X-ray imaging and guidance systems are important. The globally implemented As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle demands careful attention to minimize radiation exposure while achieving the precise goals of the intervention and imaging therein. To allow careful and targeted weighing of risk against reward while using X-ray based equipment, proper background knowledge of physics as well as imaging system aspects are needed. This white paper summarizes the principles of ionizing radiation which are crucial to enhance awareness and interpretation of dosimetric quantities. Consecutively, a consensus on standards for reporting radiation exposure in interventional pulmonology procedures is indicated to facilitate comparisons between different systems, approaches and results. Last but not least, it provides a list of practical measures, considerations and tips to optimize procedural imaging as well as reduce radiation dose to patients and staff.

Proposed quality indicators and recommended standard reporting items in performance of EBUS bronchoscopy: An official World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology Expert Panel consensus statement.

BACKGROUND: Since their introduction, both linear and radial endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) have become an integral component of the practice of Pulmonology and Thoracic Oncology. The quality of health care can be measured by comparing the performance of an individual or a health service with an ideal threshold or benchmark. The taskforce sought to evaluate quality indicators in EBUS bronchoscopy based on clinical relevance/importance and on the basis that observed significant variation in outcomes indicates potential for improvement in health care outcomes. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review informed the composition of a comprehensive list of candidate quality indicators in EBUS. A multiple-round modified Delphi consensus process was subsequently performed with the aim of reaching consensus over a final list of quality indicators and performance targets for these indicators. Standard reporting items were developed, with a strong preference for items where evidence demonstrates a relationship with quality indicator outcomes. RESULTS: Twelve quality Indicators are proposed, with performance targets supported by evidence from the literature. Standardized reporting items for both radial and linear EBUS are recommended, with evidence supporting their utility in assessing procedural outcomes presented. CONCLUSION: This statement is intended to provide a framework for individual proceduralists to assess the quality of EBUS they provide their patients through the identification of clinically relevant, feasible quality measures. Emphasis is placed on outcome measures, with a preference for consistent terminology to allow communication and benchmarking between centres.

Safety and Feasibility of a Novel Externally Cooled Bronchoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation Catheter for Ablation of Peripheral Lung Tumours: A First-In-Human Dose Escalation Study.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an established modality for percutaneous ablation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in medically inoperable patients but is underutilized clinically due to side effects. We have developed a novel, completely endobronchial RFA catheter with an externally cooled electrode. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to establish the safety and feasibility of bronchoscopic RFA using a novel, externally cooled catheter for ablation of peripheral NSCLC. METHODS: Patients with stage I biopsy-confirmed NSCLC underwent bronchoscopic RFA of tumour 7 days prior to lobectomy. The RFA catheter was delivered bronchoscopically to peripheral NSCLC lesions, guided by radial endobronchial ultrasound, with positioning confirmed using intra-procedural cone beam CT. Pre-operative CT chest and histologic examination of resected specimens were used to establish distribution/uniformity of ablation and efficacy of tumour ablation. RESULTS: RFA in the first patient was complicated by dispersal of heated saline due to cough, resulting in ICU admission. The patient recovered fully and underwent uncomplicated lobectomy. Subsequently, the protocol was altered to mandate neuromuscular blockade with a pre-determined dose escalation, with algorithm-restricted energy (kJ) and irrigated saline volume (mL) constraints. A further 10 patients consented and seven underwent successful bronchoscopic RFA of peripheral NSCLC. No significant adverse events were noted. Ablation zone included tumour in all cases (proportion of tumour ablated ranged 8-72%), with uniform necrosis of tissue within ablation zones observed at higher energy levels. Ablation zone diameter correlated with RFA energy delivered (R2 = 0.553), with maximum long axis diameter of ablation zone 3.1 cm (22.9 kJ). CONCLUSION: Bronchoscopic RFA using an externally cooled catheter is feasible, appears safe, and achieves uniform ablation within the treatment zone. Uncontrolled escape of heated saline poses a major safety risk but can be prevented procedurally through neuromuscular blockade and by limiting irrigation.

EBUS versus EUS-B for diagnosing sarcoidosis: The International Sarcoidosis Assessment (ISA) randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Endosonography with intrathoracic nodal sampling is proposed as the single test with the highest granuloma detection rate in suspected sarcoidosis stage I/II. However, most studies have been performed in limited geographical regions. Studies suggest that oesophageal endosonographic nodal sampling has higher diagnostic yield than endobronchial endosonographic nodal sampling, but a head-to-head comparison of both routes has never been performed. METHODS: Global (14 hospitals, nine countries, four continents) randomized clinical trial was conducted in consecutive patients with suspected sarcoidosis stage I/II presenting between May 2015 and August 2017. Using an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) scope, patients were randomized to EBUS or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-B-guided nodal sampling, and to 22- or 25-G ProCore needle aspiration (2 × 2 factorial design). Granuloma detection rate was the primary study endpoint. Final diagnosis was based on cytology/pathology outcomes and clinical/radiological follow-up at 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 358 patients were randomized: 185 patients to EBUS-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and 173 to EUS-B-fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Final diagnosis was sarcoidosis in 306 patients (86%). Granuloma detection rate was 70% (130/185; 95% CI, 63-76) for EBUS-TBNA and 68% (118/173; 95% CI, 61-75) for EUS-B-FNA (p = 0.67). Sensitivity for diagnosing sarcoidosis was 78% (129/165; 95% CI, 71-84) for EBUS-TBNA and 82% (115/141; 95% CI, 74-87) for EUS-B-FNA (p = 0.46). There was no significant difference between the two needle types in granuloma detection rate or sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Granuloma detection rate of mediastinal/hilar nodes by endosonography in patients with suspected sarcoidosis stage I/II is high and similar for EBUS and EUS-B. These findings imply that both diagnostic tests can be safely and universally used in suspected sarcoidosis patients.

Systematic endoscopic staging of mediastinum to determine impact on radiotherapy for locally advanced lung cancer (SEISMIC): protocol for a prospective single arm multicentre interventional study.

BACKGROUND: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is established as the preferred method of mediastinal lymph node (LN) staging in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Selective (targeted) LN sampling is most commonly performed however studies in early stage NSCLC and locally advanced NSCLC confirm systematic EBUS-TBNA evaluation improves accuracy of mediastinal staging. This study aims to establish the rate of detection of positron emission tomography (PET)-occult LN metastases following systematic LN staging by EBUS-TBNA, and to determine the utility of systematic mediastinal staging for accurate delineation of radiation treatment fields in patients with locally advanced NSCLC. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA for diagnosis/staging of locally advanced NSCLC will be enrolled in this international multi-centre single arm study. Systematic mediastinal LN evaluation will be performed, with all LN exceeding 6 mm to be sampled by TBNA. Where feasible, endoscopic ultrasound staging (EUS-B) may also be performed. Results of minimally invasive staging will be compared to FDG-PET. The primary end-point is proportion of patients in whom systematic LN staging identified PET-occult NSCLC metastases. Secondary outcome measures include (i) rate of nodal upstaging, (ii) false positive rate of PET for mediastinal LN assessment, (iii) analysis of clinicoradiologic risk factors for presence of PET-occult LN metastases, (iv) impact of systematic LN staging in patients with discrepant findings on PET and EBUS-TBNA on target coverage and dose to organs at risk (OAR) in patients undergoing radiotherapy. DISCUSSION: With specificity of PET of 90%, guidelines recommend tissue confirmation of positive mediastinal LN to ensure potentially early stage patients are not erroneously denied potentially curative resection. However, while confirmation of pathologic LN is routinely sought, the exact extent of mediastinal LN involvement in NSCLC in patient with Stage III NSCLC is rarely established. Studies examining systematic LN staging in early stage NSCLC report a significant discordance between PET and EBUS-TBNA. In patients with locally advanced disease this has significant implications for radiation field planning, with risk of geographic miss in the event of PET-occult mediastinal LN metastases. The SEISMIC study will examine both diagnostic outcomes following systematic LN staging with EBUS-TBNA, and impact on radiation treatment planning. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12617000333314, ANZCTR, Registered on 3 March 2017.

Bronchoscopic Thermal Vapour Ablation for Localized Cancer Lesions of the Lung: A Clinical Feasibility Treat-and-Resect Study.

BACKGROUND: Bronchoscopic thermal vapour ablation (BTVA) is an established and approved modality for minimally invasive lung volume reduction in severe emphysema. Preclinical data suggest potential for BTVA in minimally invasive ablation of lung cancer lesions. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to establish the safety, feasibility, and ablative efficacy of BTVA for minimally invasive ablation of lung cancers. METHODS: Single arm treat-and-resect clinical feasibility study of patients with biopsy-confirmed lung cancer. A novel BTVA for lung cancer (BTVA-C) system for minimally invasive treatment of peripheral pulmonary tumours was used to deliver 330 Cal thermal vapour energy via bronchoscopy to target lesion. Patients underwent planned lobectomy to complete oncologic care. Pre-surgical CT chest and post-resection histologic analysis were performed to evaluate ablative efficacy. RESULTS: Six patients underwent BTVA-C, and 5 progressed to planned lobectomy. Median procedure duration was 12 min. No major procedure-related complications occurred. All 5 resected lesions were part-solid lung adenocarcinomas with median solid component size 1.32±0.36 cm. Large uniform ablation zones were seen in 4 patients where thermal dose exceeded 3 Cal/mL, with complete/near-complete necrosis of target lesions seen in 2 patients. Tumour positioned within ablation zones demonstrated necrosis in >99% of cross-sectional area examined. CONCLUSION: BTVA of lung tumours is feasible and well tolerated, with preliminary evidence suggesting high potential for effective ablation of tumours. Thermal injury is well demarcated, and uniform tissue necrosis is observed within ablation zones receiving sufficient thermal dose per volume of lung. Treatment of smaller volumes and ensuring adequate thermal dose may be important for ablative efficacy.

Bronchial Rheoplasty for Treatment of Chronic Bronchitis. Twelve-Month Results from a Multicenter Clinical Trial.

Rationale: Chronic bronchitis (CB) is characterized by productive cough with excessive mucus production, resulting in quality-of-life impairment and increased exacerbation risk. Bronchial rheoplasty uses an endobronchial catheter to apply nonthermal pulsed electrical fields to the airways. Preclinical studies have demonstrated epithelial ablation followed by regeneration of normalized epithelium.Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and initial outcomes of bronchial rheoplasty in patients with CB.Methods: Pooled analysis of two separate studies enrolling 30 patients undergoing bilateral bronchial rheoplasty was conducted. Follow-up through 6 months (primary outcome) and 12 months included assessment of adverse events, airway histology, and changes in symptoms using the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Assessment Test and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ).Measurements and Main Results: Bronchial rheoplasty was performed in all 30 patients (63% male; mean [SD] age, 67 [7.4]; mean [SD] postbronchodilator FEV1, 65% [21%]; mean [SD] COPD Assessment Test score 25.6 [7.1]; mean [SD] SGRQ score, 59.6 [15.3]). There were no device-related and four procedure-related serious adverse events through 6 months, and there were none thereafter through 12 months. The most frequent nonserious, device- and/or procedure-related event through 6 months was mild hemoptysis in 47% (14 of 30) patients. Histologically, the mean goblet cell hyperplasia score was reduced by a statistically significant amount (P < 0.001). Significant changes from baseline to 6 months in COPD Assessment Test (mean, -7.9; median, -8.0; P = 0.0002) and SGRQ (mean, -14.6; median, -7.2; P = 0.0002) scores were observed, with similar observations through 12 months.Conclusions: This study provides the first clinical evidence of the feasibility, safety, and initial outcomes of bronchial rheoplasty in symptomatic patients with CB.Clinical trial registered with www.anzctr.org.au (ACTRN 12617000330347) and clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03107494).

Bronchoscopic treatments for early-stage peripheral lung cancer: Are we ready for prime time?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and surgical lobectomy remains the preferred therapy for patients with early-stage NSCLC. Medical comorbidities and advanced age preclude resection in many patients and minimally invasive ablative therapies are needed for treatment. Stereotactic ablative radiation is established as an effective modality in this patient group, although may be contraindicated in some patients with prior radiation exposure, comorbidities or centrally positioned tumours. Percutaneous ablative methods are available, although are frequently associated with significant complications. Numerous endoscopic ablative techniques are under evaluation. With a more favourable safety profile and the ability to provide diagnosis and staging information potentially within a single procedure, there is a strong rationale for development of bronchoscopic ablative modalities. In the following article, the authors aim to explore the role bronchoscopic ablation may play in treatment of peripheral lung tumours, and to describe a pathway to establishing these modalities as part of routine care. The current status of several bronchoscopic ablative options is discussed in detail.

Safe performance of diagnostic bronchoscopy/EBUS during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is unprecedented in our professional lives and much effort and resources will be devoted to care of patients (and HCW) affected by this illness. We must also continue to aim for the same standard of care for our non-COVID respiratory patients, while minimizing risks of infection transmission to our colleagues. This commentary addresses the key paired issues of minimizing performance of diagnostic/staging bronchoscopy in patients with suspected/known lung cancer while maximizing the safety of the procedure with respect to HCW transmission of COVID-19.

Transoesophageal Fine Needle Aspiration of Pleural Metastasis Using EBUS Scope.

Endoscopic ultrasound using convex endobronchial ultrasound probe (EUS-B) is an evolving diagnostic technique. We present a case of successful EUS-B biopsy of pleural metastasis in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma. This was an accurate, uncomplicated procedure and demonstrates the feasibility of EUS-B for pleural lesions.

Performing Bronchoscopy in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Practice Statement from an International Expert Panel.

These recommendations for physicians who perform bronchoscopy will help to protect those patients (un)-affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic, minimize the risk of transmission, and maintain clinical care for all patients.

Adequate tumour cellularity is essential for accurate PD-L1 immunohistochemistry assessment on cytology cell-block specimens.

OBJECTIVES: PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an essential predictive biomarker for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), required to inform treatment decisions regarding anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. This study aims to investigate the concordance between PD-L1 IHC assessed on NSCLC cytology and histology specimens and to determine the impactce of tumour cellularity. METHODS: Matched cytology and histology NSCLC specimens were retrieved from the archives of the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. PD-L1 IHC was performed concurrently on both specimens at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre using the SP263 assay kit on the Ventana Benchmark Ultra staining platform and scored by two experienced pathologists. RESULTS: Overall agreement between matched cytology and histology specimens was good (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.653, n = 58); however, markedly increased when the analysis was limited to cell-blocks with >100 tumour cells (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.957, n = 29). Specificity at both 1% and 50% cut-offs was high regardless of cellularity; however, sensitivity decreased in samples with <100 tumour cells. CONCLUSIONS: PD-L1 IHC on cytology cell-block specimens in NSCLC is an acceptable alternative to histological specimens, provided adequate tumour cells are present. Clinicians and pathologists should be mindful of the risk of false negative PD-L1 IHC in samples with low tumour cellularity, to avoid excluding patients from potentially beneficial treatment.

Independent and incremental value of ventilation/perfusion PET/CT and CT pulmonary angiography for pulmonary embolism diagnosis: results of the PECAN pilot study.

PURPOSE: This pilot study assessed the independent and incremental value of 68Ga-V/Q PET/CT as compared with CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for the management of cancer patients with suspected acute pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: All 24 cancer patients with suspected acute PE prospectively recruited underwent both 68Ga-V/Q PET/CT and CTPA within 24 h. PET/CT was acquired after inhalation of Galligas prepared using a Technegas generator and administration of 68Ga-macroaggregated albumin. Initially, PET/CT and CTPA scans were read independently with the reader blinded to the results of the other imaging study. CTPA and PET/CT were then coregistered and reviewed by consensus between a radiologist and nuclear medicine physician. The therapeutic management was established by the managing physician based on all available data. RESULTS: The diagnostic conclusion was concordantly negative in 18 patients (75%). Of the six discordant diagnoses on independent reading, combined interpretation of V/Q PET/CTPA enabled a consensus conclusion in two patients, excluding PE in one and confirming PE in the other, similar to the initial diagnostic conclusion of the V/Q PET/CT. Of the remaining four patients, three had a single subsegmental thrombus on CTPA but a negative V/Q PET/CT scan, and two of these did not receive long-term anticoagulation and did not have a venous thromboembolic event during a 3-year follow-up period. The third patient, along with a patient with a positive V/Q PET/CT scan but a negative CTPA scan, presented with acute complications preventing any conclusions with regard to the appropriateness of the V/Q PET/CT results in the management of PE. Overall, V/Q PET had an impact on management in four patients (17%). CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, we demonstrated the feasibility and potential utility of V/Q PET/CT for the management of patients with suspected PE. V/Q PET/CT may be of particular relevance in patients with equivocal findings or isolated subsegmental findings on CTPA, adding further discriminatory information to allow important decision-making regarding the use or withholding of anticoagulation. Given the other advantages of V/Q PET/CT (reduced acquisition time, low radiation dose), and with the increasing availability of 68Ga generators, PET/CT is a potential replacement for V/Q SPECT/CT imaging.

Utility of Endobronchial Ultrasound in Assessment of Intrathoracic Lesions in Paediatric Patients.

INTRODUCTION: In adults, linear endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is the preferred modality to sample intrathoracic adenopathy and radial EBUS is a useful tool to biopsy peripheral pulmonary nodules. Utility in children is less well known. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to review the EBUS experience of two specialist centres to better define the current role of EBUS in paediatric practice. METHODS: A retrospective record review of EBUS procedures undertaken in patients aged 0-17 years at the Royal Children's Hospital (Melbourne, Australia) and Thoraxklinik (Heidelberg, Germany) was performed. Data extracted included patient demographics, clinical presentation, bronchoscope (size and model), EBUS technique used, pathologic results, need for further invasive investigation, and complications. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2017, ten EBUS procedures were performed (6 linear EBUS and 4 radial EBUS). No complications were reported. Linear EBUS was performed on subjects who were between 4 and 15 years old, with a 100% diagnostic yield. Radial EBUS was non-diagnostic in three cases of non-malignant disease. In one case, it was used successfully for imaging alone. CONCLUSION: Both linear and radial EBUS are safe and feasible in children. Diagnostic yield of linear EBUS was 100%. Radial EBUS did not demonstrate utility, likely reflecting the pathologies of underlying parenchymal masses in paediatric populations.

CT-Fluoroscopic Guidance for Performance of Targeted Transbronchial Cryobiopsy: A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Bronchoscopic transbronchial cryobiopsy is increasingly used for the histological assessment of diffuse parenchymal lung disease. Diagnostic performance may be improved by more accurate targeting of biopsy to radiologic abnormalities, and complication rates may be reduced by avoiding biopsy of pleura or larger vessels. OBJECTIVES: To report the preliminary experience of using CT-fluoroscopic guidance for accurate targeting of bronchoscopic transbronchial cryobiopsy. METHODS: Bronchoscopic cryobiopsy was performed in a hybrid CT theatre. 3D CT images were acquired following positioning of the cryoprobe in a distal airway segment. Where cryoprobe position was observed to be too close to the chest wall/diaphragm pleura, or not within the region of interest within the lung parenchyma, re-positioning of probe was undertaken and repeat 3D images were acquired to confirm positioning prior to cryobiopsy. RESULTS: CT-fluoroscopic transbronchial cryobiopsy was successfully performed in 4 patients: 3 patients with interstitial lung infiltrates, and one with an enlarging left upper lobe mass. Images were reviewed following each acquisition to accurately assess the probe position within the lung parenchyma, and relative to other thoracic structures. Intra-procedural imaging was of sufficient quality to allow the accurate positioning of the cryoprobe tip with respect to both the parenchymal region of interest and pleural surfaces. No complications were experienced, and all procedures yielded diagnostic specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary experience confirms the feasibility of performing transbronchial cryobiopsy under CT-fluoroscopic guidance. Accurate targeting of transbronchial cryobiopsy may be achieved using CT-fluoroscopic guidance. Positioning of the probe tip, both with respect to parenchymal region of interest and to pleural surfaces, can be established with high accuracy.

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.