Novel hybrid cryo ‐radial method: an emerging alternative to CT‐guided biopsy in suspected lung cancer. A prospective case series and description of technique

We report six prospective patients who underwent this procedure in our institution. R‐EBUS samples were obtained via conventional sampling methods (needle aspiration, forceps biopsy, and cytology brush), followed by a cryobiopsy. An endobronchial blocker was placed near the planned area of biopsy in advance and inflated post‐biopsy to minimize the risk of bleeding in all patients. A chest X‐ray was performed 1 h post‐procedure. All the PPLs were visualized with R‐EBUS. The mean diameter of cryobiopsy samples was twice the size of forceps biopsy samples. In four patients, cryobiopsy samples were superior in size and the number of malignant cells per high power filed and was the preferred sample selected for mutation analysis and molecular testing. There was no pneumothorax or significant bleeding to report. Cryobiopsy samples were consistently larger and were the preferred samples for molecular testing, with an increase in the diagnostic yield and reduction in the need for repeat procedures, without hindering the marked safety profile of R‐EBUS. Using an endobronchial blocker improves the safety of this procedure. Cryobiopsy samples from this hybrid cryo/radial method were consistently larger and were the preferred samples for molecular testing with an increase in the diagnostic yield and reduction in the need for repeat procedures, without hindering the marked safety profile of radial endobronchial ultrasound. Using an endobronchial blocker improves the safety of...
Source: Respirology Case Reports - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Case Series Source Type: research