Diagnostic yield of electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy in a low volume center when performed by community...

Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) may be used for evaluation of pulmonary nodules. The purpose of this study was to determine the yield of ENB at a low volume center (0-4 cases per month), where the cases were performed by community pulmonologists neither trained in interventional pulmonology nor an expert in electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy. The primary endpoint was to find the diagnostic yield of ENB at our center. A safety analysis was also performed to evaluate complications during the procedures.

A retrospective chart review of all the patients who had undergone ENB from January 2019 to January 2021 was performed. A total of 29 ENB procedures were performed during that time frame. Four ENB procedures were performed for fiducial placement and were not included in the study.

Diagnosis was made in 72% of patients (18 cases out of 25 cases). With the exception of a single pneumothorax, no other complications were found.

In conclusion our study shows that ENB, performed at low volume center by physicians not formally trained in interventional pulmonology or considered as experts in the procedure, has a high diagnostic yield and a good safety profile. This study shows that ENB may be performed by community pulmonologists at low volume center with a diagnostic yield comparable to high volume centers. This will be help improve access of ENB to more patients.