Miniforceps EBUS-guided lymph node biopsy: impact on diagnostic yield.

Introduction: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is the standard diagnostic method for sampling mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Non-diagnostic samples have led some pulmonologists to add a miniforceps biopsy (EBUS-TBFB) in order to increase diagnostic yield. Our study aims to analyze the impact of adding EBUS-TBFB to the EBUS-TBNA in cases where Rapid On-site Evaluation (ROSE) was negative for malignancy or was non-diagnostic.

Effect of routine clopidogrel use on bleeding complications after ultrasound-guided thoracentesis.

Background: Thoracentesis is one of the most commonly performed medical procedures with an excellent safety profile. Clopidogrel (a compound that inhibits adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation) is often prescribed for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease and has been associated with bleeding complications in patients undergoing surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety of ultrasound (US)-guided thoracentesis in patients receiving clopidogrel therapy.