Effectiveness of Balloon Dilatation for Bronchoscope Delivery Using the SUKEDACHI Balloon with an Ultrathin Bronchoscope for Subpleural Pulmonary Nodule Diagnosis: A Case Series of Three Patients

Balloon dilatation for bronchoscope delivery (BDBD) using the single-use bronchial dilatation catheter known as "SUKEDACHI" has proved useful for diagnosing peripheral pulmonary nodules. We report three cases-lung adenocarcinoma, small-cell lung cancer, and pulmonary cryptococcosis-diagnosed using the SUKEDACHI balloon combined with an ultrathin bronchoscope. In each case, the subpleural pulmonary nodule was successfully diagnosed by performing BDBD with the SUKEDACHI balloon and ultrathin bronchoscope after unsuccessful attempts with ultrathin and/or thin bronchoscopy using endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath. Our case series highlights the potential utility of the SUKEDACHI balloon with ultrathin bronchoscopy as an effective approach for diagnosing subpleural pulmonary nodules.