Robotic bronchoscopic needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy to diagnose peripheral lung nodules.

Background And Objective: Robotic bronchoscopy has demonstrated high navigational success in small peripheral lung nodules but the diagnostic yield is discrepantly lower. Needle based confocal laser endomicroscopy (nCLE) enables real-time microscopic imaging at the needle tip. We aim to assess feasibility, safety and needle repositioning based on real-time nCLE-guidance during robotic bronchoscopy in small peripheral lung nodules.

Nodules, Navigation, Robotic Bronchoscopy, and Real-Time Imaging.

The process of detection, diagnosis, and management of lung nodules is complex due to the heterogeneity of lung pathology and a relatively low malignancy rate. Technological advances in bronchoscopy have led to less-invasive diagnostic procedures and advances in imaging technology have helped to improve nodule localization and biopsy confirmation. Future research is required to determine which modality or combination of complimentary modalities is best suited for safe, accurate, and cost-effective management of lung nodules.

Prospective randomized trial to compare the safety, diagnostic yield and utility of 22-gauge and 19-gauge endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspirates and processing technique by cytology and histopathology.

Introduction: Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspirate (TBNA) is a widely used method of minimally invasive lymph node sampling. The benefit of processing samples by cytologic methods versus "core biopsy" is unclear. It is unknown if safety or diagnostic yield varies by needle gauge.

In vivo assessment of changes to canine airway smooth muscle following bronchial thermoplasty with OR-OCT.

The inability to assess and measure changes to the airway smooth muscle (ASM) in vivo is a major challenge to evaluating asthma and its clinical outcomes. Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a therapy for asthma that aims to reduce the severity of excessive bronchoconstriction by ablating ASM. Although multiple long-term clinical studies of BT have produced encouraging results, the outcomes of BT treatment in practice have been variable, and questions remain regarding the selection of patients.