What is the value of electromagnetic navigation in lung cancer and to what extent does it require improvement?

What is the value of electromagnetic navigation in lung cancer and to what extent does it require improvement? Expert Rev Respir Med. 2020 Mar 26;: Authors: Shaller BD, Gildea TR Abstract Introduction: Lung nodules are being identified with increasing frequency. With this growing burden of nodules comes a growing need for diagnostic technologies extending beyond the current reach of conventional bronchoscopy. One such method for diagnosing peripheral lung lesions is electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB), which comprises a set of tools designed to aid the bronchoscopist in identifying, accessing, and sampling peripheral lung lesions under virtual guidance.Areas covered: Herein we present an in-depth review of ENB, including commercially-available electromagnetic navigation platforms, factors influencing diagnostic yield, adjunctive imaging and biopsy tools, potential risks, cost, technical shortcomings, and competing technologies. A review of the scientific literature was conducted primarily through PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, and pertinent publications and abstracts from the inception of electromagnetic navigation through 2019 were considered. We also share our perspective on the future of ENB from both a diagnostic as well as a therapeutic standpoint.Expert opinion: ENB is currently a leading tool in the diagnostic evaluation of peripheral lung lesions. The future of ENB rests not only on its potential to ex...
Source: Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine - Category: Respiratory Medicine Tags: Expert Rev Respir Med Source Type: research