Endobronchial ultrasonography: current status and future directions

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Interventional Bronchoscopy
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) provides visualization beyond the airway.
• Radial probe EBUS initially assessed central airway tumor invasion.
• Advancements allow smaller probes for peripheral lung nodule visualization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current Endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) techniques.
• To discuss the future directions of EBUS in respiratory diagnostics.
• To highlight EBUS's role in interventional bronchoscopy.

Main Methods:

• Radial probe EBUS for airway structure and peripheral lesions.
• EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) for mediastinal processes.
• Convex probe EBUS (CP-EBUS) for real-time TBNA of mediastinal and intrapulmonary lesions.

Main Results:

• Radial probe EBUS aids in identifying tumor invasion and visualizing peripheral nodules.
• EBUS-guided TBNA improves diagnostic yield for mediastinal lymphadenopathy and tumors.
• CP-EBUS facilitates real-time, radiation-free access to peripheral lesions.
• No complications reported for EBUS-guided TBNA.

Conclusions:

• EBUS is a valuable diagnostic tool in interventional pulmonology.
• CP-EBUS offers real-time guidance for safe and accurate biopsies.
• EBUS demonstrates high diagnostic yield with excellent potential for bronchoscopy.