Improving Radial EBUS Signal with Creation of False Airway to Target Lesion During Electromagnetic Navigational...

Navigational bronchoscopy is increasingly used to target peripheral pulmonary nodules using electromagnetic navigational platforms (ENB), fluoroscopic navigation, or robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. The selection of equipment largely depends on the availability of technology, expertise, and the characteristics of the nodule and patient. Radial EBUS (r-EBUS) is often combined with these techniques for real-time confirmation of the nodule location. A bronchus sign is considered to have a higher diagnostic yield when biopsy tools can directly reach the nodule. We describe a case series of creating a false airway into the nodule when an eccentric r-EBUS signal is seen to subsequently obtain a concentric signal.