Safety and Efficacy of Endobronchial Ultrasound

Abstract Purpose of review The use of bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) to aid in lymph node and lung biopsy is relatively new. This review will summarize the literature surrounding the efficacy of bronchoscopy with EBUS. Safety of bronchoscopy with EBUS is not markedly different that procedure with EBUS and is impacted by patient features including co-morbidities as well as different sedation modalities. This paper reviews the impact on both safety and diagnostic yield. Recent Findings The yield from using EBUS guided biopsy varies with the diagnosis but is high with linear EBUS. Recent data incorporating other technologies (electromagnetic navigation, robotic assistance) with bronchoscopy has potential to increase diagnostic yields, appears to be equivalent to transthoracic needle biopsies performed by radiology. Different sedation modalities are utilized, including the use of dedicated anesthesia providers, for bronchoscopy with EBUS but do not appear to significantly affect the diagnostic yield. Summary Bronchoscopy with EBUS (both linear and radial) is a safe procedure with acceptable yields. The type of sedation does not appear to affect the diagnostic yield or the safety of the procedure. Further research into incorporation of other technologies may provide for higher diagnostic yields.