Fluorescence and navigational bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive method for lung cancer diagnosis. Smaller and more maneuverable bronchoscopes with higher image resolution and an adequate biopsy channel are being developed. High-resolution multiplanar computed tomography (CT) is used to produce 3-dimensional virtual images of the bronchial tree. The target lesion can be confirmed by a mini-radial ultrasound probe and potentially other technologies such as optical coherence tomography. These tools may provide a safer alternative method to CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy for peripheral lung lesions that are not pleural based.