Novel Robotic-Assisted Cryobiopsy for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions

Radial endobronchial ultrasound - guided bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective trials

Background

The diagnostic yield of radial endobronchial ultrasound (r-EBUS) for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) varies between studies and is affected by multiple factors. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of r-EBUS, and to explore the factors influencing the diagnostic yield of r-EBUS in patients with PPLs.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched to identify relevant studies that used r-EBUS for diagnosing PPLs from the date of inception to Dec 2022. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 15.1.

Results

An analysis of 46 studies with a total of 7252 PPLs was performed. The pooled diagnostic yield of r-EBUS was 73.4 % (95 % CI: 69.9%-76.7 %), with significant heterogeneity detected among studies (I2 = 90 %, P < 0.001). Further analysis demonstrated PPLs located in the middle or lower lobe, >2 cm in size, malignant in type, solid in appearance on computerized tomography (CT), present in bronchus sign, the within probe location, and the addition of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) were associated with increased diagnostic yield, whereas use of a guide sheath (GS), bronchoscopy type, and a multimodality approach failed to influence the outcome. The pooled incidence rates of overall complications, pneumothorax and moderate and severe bleeding were 3.1 % (95 % CI: 2.1%-4.3 %), 0.4 % (95 % CI: 0.1%-0.7 %) and 1.1 % (95 % CI: 0.5%-2.0 %), respectively.

Conclusions

r-EBUS has an appreciable diagnostic yield and an excellent safety manifestation when used to deal with PPLs.

[Clinical Application of Robotic Assisted Bronchoscopy in Peripheral Pulmonary Nodule Biopsy]

With the popularization of chest computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screening, the detection rate of peripheral pulmonary nodules is increasing day by day. Some patients could make clear diagnoses and receive early treatment by obtaining biopsy specimens. Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) is one of the non-surgical biopsy methods for peripheral pulmonary nodules, which has less trauma and lower incidence of complications compared to percutaneous thoracic needle biopsy (PTNB). However, the diagnostic rate of TBLB is about 70%, which is still inferior to that of PTNB, which is about 90%. Since 2018, robot assisted bronchoscopy systems have been applied in clinical practice. This article reviews their application in further improving the diagnostic rate of peripheral pulmonary nodules by TBLB.
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Mobile cone-beam computed tomography complementing shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy in the small pulmonary nodule sampling: A multicentre experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) has expanded as an important diagnostic tool for peripheral pulmonary nodules (PPNs), with diagnostic yields ranging from 60% to 88%. However, sampling and diagnosing PPN less than 2 cm in size has historically been challenging. Mobile cone-beam computed tomography (mCBCT) has been recently integrated into ssRAB to improve diagnostic accuracy, but its added value remains uncertain. We aim to describe the role of mCBCT and determine if it provides any diagnostic advantage.

METHODS

A multicentre, retrospective study on the use of ssRAB and mCBCT in two tertiary care institutions: Mayo Clinic Florida and Massachusetts General Hospital. The primary outcome was diagnostic yield and sensitivity for malignancy of ssRAB complemented with mCBCT, compared to ssRAB with the standard 2D fluoroscopy.

RESULTS

A total of 192 nodules were biopsied from 173 patients. mCBCT was used in 117 (60.9%) nodules. The overall diagnostic yield was 85.4%. Diagnostic yield between subgroups with and without mCBCT was 83.8% and 88% (p = 0.417), respectively. The mCBCT group had fewer solid nodules (65.8% vs. 81.3%, p = 0.020) and a higher number of ground-glass nodules (10.3% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

Overall, diagnostic yield between subgroups with and without mCBCT was similar. The complementary use of mCBCT to ssRAB allows proceduralists to target more complex and subsolid PPNs with a diagnostic yield comparable to simple solid PPNs while maintaining an excellent safety profile.

A Cone Beam CT Bronchoscopy Study of the Ultrathin Cryoprobe for Biopsy of Peripheral Lung Lesions

BACKGROUND

Compared with the standard cryoprobe, the novel ultrathin 1.1 mm cryoprobe (UTCP) has improved ergonomics, shape memory, and flexibility. The performance of UTCP has demonstrated promising results in several small trials.

METHODS

In this single-center, retrospective review, we examine 200 (N=200) consecutive patients referred for cone beam CT bronchoscopic biopsy of peripheral lung lesions. We utilized an extended multimodality approach, including transbronchial needle aspirate, brush, traditional forces biopsies, UTCP biopsies, and BAL. We analyzed tool in lesion, tool touch lesion, center strike rates, and diagnostic yield. We assessed for molecular adequacy and analyzed safety.

RESULTS

A total of 222 lesions were biopsied. We achieved a tool in lesion or tool touch lesion confirmation for all biopsy attempts (100%) and a center strike rate of 68%. AQuIRE diagnostic yield was 90%, with 60% malignant, 30% benign lung nodules, and 10% nondiagnostic. UTCP was diagnostic in 3.6 % of peripheral lung lesions biopsies when all other modalities were nondiagnostic; thus, raising our overall diagnostic yield from 86.4% to 90.1%. Our analysis demonstrates superior adequacy for molecular analysis for histologic samples (TBBX or UTCP) versus cytologic samples (FNA) ( P <0.001). Three patients (1.5%) had a pneumothorax, and 1 patient (0.5%) had moderate bleeding.

CONCLUSION

UTCP was diagnostic in 3.6% of peripheral lung lesions when all other modalities were nondiagnostic. In the setting of CBCT guidance, UTCP has a similar safety profile to standard biopsy tools. Future trials are warranted to assess UTCP and its impact on peripheral lung lesion biopsies.

Shape-Sensing Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy versus Computed Tomography-Guided Transthoracic Biopsy for the Evaluation of Subsolid Pulmonary Nodules

INTRODUCTION

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Subsolid nodules (SSN), including ground-glass nodules (GGNs) and part-solid nodules (PSNs), are slow-growing but have a higher risk for malignancy. Therefore, timely diagnosis is imperative. Shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) has emerged as reliable diagnostic procedure, but data on SSN and how ssRAB compares to other diagnostic interventions such as CT-guided transthoracic biopsy (CTTB) are scarce. In this study, we compared diagnostic yield of ssRAB versus CTTB for evaluating SSN.

METHODS

A retrospective study of consecutive patients who underwent either ssRAB or CTTB for evaluating GGN and PSN with a solid component less than 6 mm from February 2020 to April 2023 at Mayo Clinic Florida and Rochester. Clinicodemographic information, nodule characteristics, diagnostic yield, and complications were compared between ssRAB and CTTB.

RESULTS

A total of 66 nodules from 65 patients were evaluated: 37 PSN and 29 GGN. Median size of PSN solid component was 5 mm (IQR: 4.5, 6). Patients were divided into two groups: 27 in the ssRAB group and 38 in the CTTB group. Diagnostic yield was 85.7% for ssRAB and 89.5% for CTTB (p = 0.646). Sensitivity for malignancy was similar between ssRAB and CTTB (86.4% vs. 88.5%; p = 0.828), with no statistical difference. Complications were more frequent in CTTB with no significant difference (8 vs. 2; p = 0.135).

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic yield for SSN was similarly high for ssRAB and CTTB, with ssRAB presenting less complications and allowing mediastinal staging within the same procedure.

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) is a newly developed bronchoscopic technique for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). The objective of this meta-analysis was to analyze the diagnostic yield and safety of RAB in patients with PPLs. Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched from inception to April 2023. Two independent investigators screened retrieved articles, extracted data, and assessed the study quality. The pooled diagnostic yield and complication rate were estimated. Subgroup analysis was used to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and the Egger test. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted to assess the robustness of the synthesized results. A total of 725 lesions from 10 studies were included in this meta-analysis. No publication bias was found. Overall, RAB had a pooled diagnostic yield of 80.4% (95% CI: 75.7%-85.1%). Lesion size of >30 mm, presence of a bronchus sign, and a concentric radial endobronchial ultrasound view were associated with a statistically significantly higher diagnostic yield. Heterogeneity exploration showed that studies using cryoprobes reported better yields than those without cryoprobes (90.0%, 95% CI: 83.2%-94.7% vs. 79.0%, 95% CI: 75.8%-82.2%, p < 0.01). The pooled complication rate was 3.0% (95% CI: 1.6%-4.4%). In conclusion, RAB is an effective and safe technique for PPLs diagnosis. Further high-quality prospective studies still need to be conducted.

Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy Performed with Cone Beam Computed Tomography Guidance Versus Fluoroscopy: A Retrospective Cohort Review

PURPOSE

Determining the cause of interstitial lung disease (ILD) remains challenging. While surgical lung biopsy remains the gold standard approach, risks associated with it may be prohibitive. Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is a minimally invasive alternative with an improved safety profile and acceptable diagnostic accuracy. We retrospectively assessed whether the use of Cone Beam computed tomography guidance for TBLC (TBLC-CBCT) improves safety and diagnostic yield compared to performing TBLC with fluoroscopic guidance (TBLC-F).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort review of 120 patients presenting for evaluation of newly diagnosed ILD was performed. Demographic data, pulmonary function test values, chest imaging pattern, procedural information, and final multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) diagnosis were recorded.

RESULTS

62 patients underwent TBLC-F and 58 underwent TBLC-CBCT. Patients undergoing TBLC-CBCT were older (67.86 ± 10.97 vs 61.45 ± 12.77 years, p = 0.004) and had a higher forced vital capacity percent predicted (73.80 ± 17.32% vs 66.00 ± 17.45%, p = 0.03) compared to the TBLC-F group. The average probe-to-pleura distance was 5.1 ± 2.3 mm in the TBLC-CBCT group with 4.0 ± 0.3 CBCT spins performed. Pneumothorax occurred more often in the TBLC-F group (n = 6, 9.7%) compared to the TBLC-CBCT group (n = 1, 1.7%, p = 0.06). Grade 2 bleeding only occurred in the TBLC-F group (n = 4, 6.5%). A final MDD diagnosis was obtained in 89% (n = 57) of TBLC-F patients and 95% (n = 57) of TBLC-CBCT patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TBLC-CBCT appears to be safer compared to TBLC-F with both approaches facilitating an MDD diagnosis. Further studies from multiple institutions randomizing patients to each modality are needed to confirm these findings.

Interventional Pulmonology: Extending the Breadth of Thoracic Care

Interventional pulmonary medicine has developed as a subspecialty focused on the management of patients with complex thoracic disease. Leveraging minimally invasive techniques, interventional pulmonologists diagnose and treat pathologies that previously required more invasive options such as surgery. By mitigating procedural risk, interventional pulmonologists have extended the reach of care to a wider pool of vulnerable patients who require therapy. Endoscopic innovations, including endobronchial ultrasound and robotic and electromagnetic bronchoscopy, have enhanced the ability to perform diagnostic procedures on an ambulatory basis. Therapeutic procedures for patients with symptomatic airway disease, pleural disease, and severe emphysema have provided the ability to palliate symptoms. The combination of medical and procedural expertise has made interventional pulmonologists an integral part of comprehensive care teams for patients with oncologic, airway, and pleural needs. This review surveys key areas in which interventional pulmonologists have impacted the care of thoracic disease through bronchoscopic intervention.

Advances in navigating to the nodule and targeting

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The multitude of available platforms and imaging modalities for navigational bronchoscopy, in combination with the various sampling tools that can be used intra-procedurally, is complex. This review seeks to describe the recent developments in peripheral bronchoscopy in regards to navigation, imaging, and sampling target lesions in the pulmonary parenchyma.

RECENT FINDINGS

Robotic assisted bronchoscopy has improved navigation to the peripheral airways for sampling of peripheral parenchymal lesions. These navigational platforms use innovative technology utilizing electromagnetic navigation and shape-sensing technology for guidance. The greatest improvement has been the stabilization of the robotic scope in the periphery to allow for accurate sampling. Despite improvements in these platforms, limitations of CT to body divergence continue to impact navigation to the lesion and therefore diagnostic yield of the procedure. Advanced intraprocedural imaging with cone beam CT or augmented fluoroscopy has been a recent focus to improve this area. Further, the adoption of newer sampling tools, such as cryobiopsy, offers the possibility of increased diagnostic yield.

SUMMARY

The developments in advanced bronchoscopy will impact the role of biopsy in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary parenchymal lesions.

Ablation for Single Pulmonary Nodules, Primary or Metastatic. Εndobronchial Ablation Systems or Percutaneous

Single pulmonary nodules are a difficult to diagnose imagining artifact. Currently novel diagnostic tools such as Radial-EBUS with or not C-ARM flouroscopy, electromagnetic navigation systems, robotic bronchoscopy and cone beam-compuer tomography (CBCT) can assist in the optimal guidance of biopsy equipment. After diagnosis of lung cancer or metastatic disease as pulmonary nodule, then surgery or ablation methods as local treatment can be applied. The percutaneous ablation systems under computed tomography guidance with radiofrequency, microwave, cryo and thermosphere have been used for several years. In the past 10 years extensive research has been made for endobronchial ablation systems and methods. We will present and comment on the two different ablation methods and present up to date data.

Efficacy of Robotic Bronchoscopy for Molecular Marker Analysis in Primary Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Molecular testing has become a more frequent necessity in NSCLC management. Using next-generation sequencing, multiple targets for therapy can be identified with small amounts of nuclear material. The authors evaluated the performance of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy in acquiring tissue that meets pre-analytic criteria for PD-L1 immunohistochemistry and/or next-generation sequencing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of primary lung cancer identified through robotic bronchoscopy were retrospectively reviewed. Pathology reports were assessed for results of molecular testing and detection of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). An independent pathologist evaluated each specimen type (smears, cell block, tissue biopsy, and/or touch prep) to determine whether each tissue type would meet pre-analytic criteria for attempting next-generation sequencing and/or PD-L1 immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patients with primary lung were reviewed. By independent pathologic assessment of cytological smears, cell block, biopsy, and/or touch preparations, 72% of samples were found to be adequate for molecular and PD-L1 testing. Preanalytic adequacy (%) for next-generation sequencing (NGS) and PD-L1 staining was determined based on specimen type: cytological smear 48.6% for NGS; cell block 14.3% for NGS and 32.9% for PD-L1; biopsy 29.2% for NGS and 62.5% for PD-L1; and touch prep 61.4% for NGS.

CONCLUSION

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy yielded samples that met preanalytic criteria for molecular testing in 72% of cases. These results support the use of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy for both the diagnosis and molecular testing of early-stage lung cancer.

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography-Guided Cryobiopsy Combined with Conventional Biopsy for Ground Glass Opacity-Predominant Pulmonary Nodules

INTRODUCTION

Cryobiopsy (CB) using a 1.1-mm cryoprobe under fluoroscopic guidance is feasible and safe for diagnosis of ground glass opacity (GGO) lesions. However, the efficacy of CB combined with cone-beam CT (CBCT) for GGO-predominant pulmonary nodules remains elusive.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied patients who underwent CB combined with conventional biopsy under CBCT guidance for GGO-predominant pulmonary nodules with a consolidation-to-tumour ratio <50.0%.

RESULTS

A total of 32 patients with GGO-predominant pulmonary nodules were enrolled: 17 pure GGOs and 15 mixed GGOs. The mean lesion diameter was 15.81 ± 5.52 mm and the overall diagnostic yield was 71.9%. Seven lesions were diagnosed by CB alone, which increased the diagnostic outcomes by 21.9%. Diagnostic yields for CB, forceps biopsy (FB), brushing, and guide sheath flushing were 65.6%, 46.9%, 15.6%, and 14.3%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that positive computed tomography (CT) bronchus sign (p = 0.035), positive CBCT sign (p < 0.01), and CB-first biopsy sequence (p = 0.036) were significant predictive factors for higher diagnostic yield. Specimens obtained by CB had larger mean sample size (p < 0.01), lower blood cell area (p < 0.01), and fewer crush artefacts (p < 0.01) than specimens from FB. No severe bleeding or other complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

CB using a 1.1-mm cryoprobe under CBCT guidance increased diagnostic yield for GGO-predominant pulmonary nodules based on conventional biopsy. Further, it provided larger and nearly intact samples compared with forceps.

Diagnostic Performance and Safety Profile of Robotic-assisted Bronchoscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Rationale: Conventional electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy and other guided bronchoscopic modalities have a very desirable safety profile, but their diagnostic yield is only 60-70% for pulmonary lesions. Recently, robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) platforms have been introduced to improve the diagnostic performance of bronchoscopic modalities. Objectives: To determine the diagnostic performance and safety profile of RAB (using shape-sensing and electromagnetic navigation-based platforms) by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched to find studies that reported on the diagnostic performance and/or the safety profile of one of the RAB systems. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool. Meta-analysis was performed using MedCalc version 20.118. Pooled diagnostic yield was calculated using a Freeman-Tukey transformation. We planned to use a random-effects model if the I2 index was >40%. Results: Twenty-five studies were included: 20 including diagnostic and safety analyses and 5 including only safety analyses. The pooled diagnostic yield of RAB (20 studies, 1,779 lesions) was 84.3% (95% confidence interval, 81.1-87.2%). The I2 index was 65.6%. On the basis of our subgroup analyses, the heterogeneity was likely driven by differences in study designs (prospective vs. retrospective) and procedural protocols (such as different RAB systems). Lesion size > 2 cm, the presence of a computed tomography bronchus sign, and concentric radial endobronchial ultrasound view were associated with a statistically significant increase in the odds of diagnosis with RAB. The overall rates of pneumothorax, need for tube thoracostomy, and significant hemorrhage were 2.3%, 1.2%, and 0.5%, respectively. Conclusions: RAB systems have significantly increased the diagnostic yield of navigational bronchoscopy compared with conventional systems such as electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy, but well-designed prospective studies are needed to better understand the impact of various factors, such as the use of three-dimensional imaging modalities, cryobiopsy, and specific ventilatory protocols, on the diagnostic yield of RAB.

Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy for peripheral pulmonary lesions. A narrative review

An increasing number of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) requiring tissue verification to establish a definite diagnosis for further individualized management are detected due to the growing adoption of lung cancer screening by chest computed tomography (CT), especially low-dose CT. However, the morphological diagnosis of PPLs remains challenging. Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) that can retrieve larger specimens with more preserved cellular architecture and fewer crush artifacts in comparison with conventional transbronchial forceps biopsy (TBFB), as an emerging technology for diagnosing PPLs, has been demonstrated to have the potential to resolve the clinical dilemma pertaining to currently available sampling devices (e.g., forceps, needle and brush) and become a diagnostic cornerstone for PPLs. Of note, with the introduction of the 1.1 mm cryoprobe that will be more compatible with advanced bronchoscopic navigation techniques, such as radial endobronchial ultrasound (r-EBUS), virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB), the use of TBLC is expected to gain more popularity in the diagnosis of PPLs. While much remains for exploration using the TBLC technique for diagnosing PPLs, it can be envisaged that the emergence of additional studies with larger data accrual will hopefully add to the body of evidence in this field.

The Novel Application of Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy Combined with Photodynamic Therapy for Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Trachea

Robotic platforms have been widely used in the various fields of clinical diagnosis and therapy of diseases in the past decade. Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) demonstrates its advantages of visibility, flexibility, and stability in comparison to conventional bronchoscopic techniques. Improving diagnostic yield and navigation yield for peripheral pulmonary lesions has been defined; however, RAB platform of treatment was not reported. In this article, we report a case of a 52-year-old woman who was diagnosed with the tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma and recurred in the second postoperative year, leading to the involvement of the entire tracheal wall and lumen obstruction. Since the lesion was inoperable, we combined RAB and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the patient. The potential advantages of using RAB for PDT delivery include precise light irradiation of target lesions and stable intra-operative control over the long term. This is a novel application of RAB combined with PDT for airway diseases. The case report may provide a new insight into the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases. In addition to improving the diagnostic rates, the RAB platform may also play an important role in the treatment of airway and lung disease in the future.

Radiation dose of cone beam CT combined with shape sensing robotic assisted bronchoscopy for the evaluation of pulmonary lesions: an observational single center study

Background

Shape sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) combined with radial endobronchial ultrasound (r-EBUS) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a newer diagnostic modality for the evaluation of pulmonary lesions. There is limited data describing the radiation dose of CBCT combined with ssRAB. The purpose of this study was to describe the technical factors associated with the use of CBCT combined with ssRAB to biopsy pulmonary lesions.

Methods

We conducted a single center, prospective observational study of patients undergoing ssRAB combined with fixed CBCT for the pulmonary lesion biopsy. We report our patient demographics, and pulmonary lesion and procedure characteristics.

Results

A total of 241 ssRAB procedures were performed to biopsy 269 pulmonary lesions. The mean lesion size was measured in the following dimensions: anteroposterior (18.0±8.8 mm), transverse (17.2±10.5 mm), and craniocaudal (17.7±10.2 mm). A mean of 1.5±0.7 (median: 1, range: 1-4) CBCT spins were performed. The mean total fluoroscopy time (FT) was 5.6±2.9 minutes. The mean radiation dose of cumulative air kerma (CAK) was 63.5±46.7 mGy and the mean cumulative dose area product (DAP) was 22.6±16.0 Gy·cm2. Diagnostic yield calculated based on results at index bronchoscopy was 85.9%. There was a low rate of complications with 8 pneumothoraces (3.3%), 5 (2.1%) of which required chest tube placement.

Conclusions

We describe the use of ssRAB combined with CBCT to biopsy pulmonary lesions as a safe diagnostic modality with relatively low radiation dose that is potentially comparable to other image guided sampling modalities. Bronchoscopists should be cognizant of the radiation use during the procedure for both patient and staff safety.

Utility and Safety of Bronchoscopic Cryotechniques-A Comprehensive Review

Cryosurgical techniques are employed for diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy and serve as important tools for the management of pulmonary diseases. The diagnosis of interstitial lung disease requires multidisciplinary team discussions after a thorough assessment of history, physical exam, computed tomography, and lung-function testing. However, histological diagnosis is required in selected patients. Surgical lung biopsy has been the gold standard but this can be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy is an emerging technique and multiple studies have shown that it has a high diagnostic yield with a good safety profile. There is wide procedural variability and the optimal technique for cryobiopsy is still under investigation. There is emerging data that demonstrate that cryobiopsy is safe and highly accurate in the diagnosis of thoracic malignancies. Furthermore, cryorecanalization procedures are a useful adjunct for the palliation of tumors in patients with central airway obstruction. One should keep in mind that these procedures are not free from complications and should be carried out in a specialized center by a trained and experienced bronchoscopy team. We present a review of the literature on the diagnostic and therapeutic utility of bronchoscopy-guided cryosurgical procedures and their safety profile.

Real-World Impact of Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy on the Staging and Diagnosis of Lung Cancer: The Shape of Current and Potential Opportunities

The approach to peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL) has been evolving continuously. Advanced bronchoscopic navigational techniques have improved the airway-based approaches to these lesions. Robotic Assisted Bronchoscopy (RAB) can be considered the current pinnacle of this evolution; allowing for a safer approach to sampling lesions previously considered outside of bronchoscopic reach. We present a comprehensive review of the changing epidemiology of lung cancer and the importance of early tissue sampling, the evolution of sampling and navigational bronchoscopic techniques, technical considerations and evidence pertaining to the use of RAB, and adjunct techniques in the diagnosis of lung cancer. Complications and future applications of RAB are also discussed.

Distinguishing bronchoscopically observed anatomical positions of airway under by convolutional neural network

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has been used for finding lesions via gastrointestinal endoscopy. However, there were few AI-associated studies that discuss bronchoscopy.

Objectives

To use convolutional neural network (CNN) to recognize the observed anatomical positions of the airway under bronchoscopy.

Design

We designed the study by comparing the imaging data of patients undergoing bronchoscopy from March 2022 to October 2022 by using EfficientNet (one of the CNNs) and U-Net.

Methods

Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 1527 clear images of normal anatomical positions of the airways from 200 patients were used for training, and 475 clear images from 72 patients were utilized for validation. Further, 20 bronchoscopic videos of examination procedures in another 20 patients with normal airway structures were used to extract the bronchoscopic images of normal anatomical positions to evaluate the accuracy for the model. Finally, 21 respiratory doctors were enrolled for the test of recognizing corrected anatomical positions using the validating datasets.

Results

In all, 1527 bronchoscopic images of 200 patients with nine anatomical positions of the airway, including carina, right main bronchus, right upper lobe bronchus, right intermediate bronchus, right middle lobe bronchus, right lower lobe bronchus, left main bronchus, left upper lobe bronchus, and left lower lobe bronchus, were used for supervised machine learning and training, and 475 clear bronchoscopic images of 72 patients were used for validation. The mean accuracy of recognizing these 9 positions was 91% (carina: 98%, right main bronchus: 98%, right intermediate bronchus: 90%, right upper lobe bronchus: 91%, right middle lobe bronchus 92%, right lower lobe bronchus: 83%, left main bronchus: 89%, left upper bronchus: 91%, left lower bronchus: 76%). The area under the curves for these nine positions were >0.98. In addition, the accuracy of extracting the images via the video by the trained model was 94.7%. We also conducted a deep learning study to segment 10 segment bronchi in right lung, and 8 segment bronchi in Left lung. Because of the problem of radial depth, only segment bronchi distributions below right upper bronchus and right middle bronchus could be correctly recognized. The accuracy of recognizing was 84.33 ± 7.52% by doctors receiving interventional pulmonology education in our hospital over 6 months.

Conclusion

Our study proved that AI technology can be used to distinguish the normal anatomical positions of the airway, and the model we trained could extract the corrected images via the video to help standardize data collection and control quality.

Cryoablation and immunity in non-small cell lung cancer: a new era of cryo-immunotherapy

Despite remarkable advances in tumor response and patient survival in the past decade, systemic immunotherapies for lung cancer result in an objective response in only around half of patients treated. On the basis of this limitation, combination strategies are being investigated to improve response rates. Cryoablation has been proposed as one such technique to induce immunogenic cell death and synergize with systemic immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cryoablation has been traditionally delivered percutaneously with imaging guidance although recent technological advances allow for bronchoscopic delivery. Herein, we review the pre-clinical and clinical evidence for the use of cryoablation in non-small cell lung cancer and potential induction of anti-tumor immunity. We highlight ongoing studies involving this approach and propose areas of future investigation.

High risk lung nodule: A multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management

Pulmonary nodules are often discovered incidentally during CT scans performed for other reasons. While the vast majority of nodules are benign, a small percentage may represent early-stage lung cancer with the potential for curative treatments. With the growing use of CT for both clinical purposes and lung cancer screening, the number of pulmonary nodules detected is expected to increase substantially. Despite well-established guidelines, many nodules do not receive proper evaluation due to a variety of factors, including inadequate coordination of care and financial and social barriers. To address this quality gap, novel approaches such as multidisciplinary nodule clinics and multidisciplinary boards may be necessary. As pulmonary nodules may indicate early-stage lung cancer, it is crucial to adopt a risk-stratified approach to identify potential lung cancers at an early stage, while minimizing the risk of harm and expense associated with over investigation of low-risk nodules. This article, authored by multiple specialists involved in nodule management, delves into the diagnostic approach to lung nodules. It covers the process of determining whether a patient requires tissue sampling or continued surveillance. Additionally, the article provides an in-depth examination of the various biopsy and therapeutic options available for malignant lung nodules. The article also emphasizes the significance of early detection in reducing lung cancer mortality, especially among high-risk populations. Furthermore, it addresses the creation of a comprehensive lung nodule program, which involves smoking cessation, lung cancer screening, and systematic evaluation and follow-up of both incidental and screen-detected nodules.

NSCLC in the Era of Targeted and Immunotherapy: What Every Pulmonologist Must Know

The treatment of non-small cell lung cancer has dramatically changed over the last decade through the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Implementation of these treatment regimens relies on detailed knowledge regarding each tumor’s specific genomic profile, underscoring the necessity of obtaining superior diagnostic tissue specimens. While these treatment approaches are commonly utilized in the metastatic setting, approval among earlier-stage disease will continue to rise, highlighting the importance of early and comprehensive biomarker testing at the time of diagnosis for all patients. Pulmonologists play an integral role in the diagnosis and staging of non-small cell lung cancer via sophisticated tissue sampling techniques. This multifaceted review will highlight current indications for the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies in non-small cell lung cancer and will outline the quality of various diagnostic approaches and subsequent success of tissue biomarker testing. Pulmonologist-specific methods, including endobronchial ultrasound and guided bronchoscopy, will be examined as well as other modalities such as CT-guided transthoracic biopsy and more.

Efficacy of combined transbronchial lung cryobiopsy and conventional forceps biopsy for lung malignancies: a prospective cohort study

There are few prospective reports of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) for malignant tumors in combination with forceps biopsy. We investigated the clinical parameters in which TBLC is superior to forceps biopsy. This is a prospective cohort study to analyse the efficacy of TBLC for suspected malignancy. TBLC was performed after brushing cytology and forceps biopsy, and the diagnostic yield for TBLC, brushing cytology, and forceps biopsy were examined. Adverse events were defined as those requiring additional procedures. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis was performed in each case of non-small cell lung cancer. Of the 100 patients, malignancy was confirmed in 94 cases. The diagnostic yield for TBLC/forceps biopsy/brushing cytology was 86/81/82% respectively, while the diagnostic yield for all procedures combined was 94%. There was no significant difference in the diagnostic yield between TBLC and forceps biopsy. When comparing the biopsy site, the diagnostic yield for TBLC at the lower lobe was significantly higher than forceps biopsy (P < 0.01). Endobronchial ultrasonography imaging using a guide-sheath did not significantly differ in the diagnostic yield of TBLC. The success rate of NGS for TBLC specimens was 100% (26 cases). Adverse events included two cases of severe bleeding. TBLC of peripheral lesions may improve the diagnostic yield when combined with forceps biopsy and brushing cytology. The diagnostic yield of TBLC was higher at the lower lobes. Furthermore, TBLC provided sufficient specimen quality for NGS.

Robotic Bronchoscopy: Review of Three Systems

Robotic bronchoscopy (RB) has been shown to improve access to smaller and more peripheral lung lesions, while simultaneously staging the mediastinum. Pre-clinical studies demonstrated extremely high diagnostic yields, but real-world RB yields have yet to fully matched up in prospective studies. Despite this, RB technology has rapidly evolved and has great potential for lung-cancer diagnosis and even treatment. In this article, we review the historical and present challenges with RB in order to compare three RB systems.

Longitudinal use of three different navigational bronchoscopy systems to sample lung nodules in a single patient

Bronchoscopic techniques to sample suspicious lung nodules have progressed from traditional bronchoscopy to guided navigational bronchoscopy systems. Here we present the case of a patient who underwent navigational bronchoscopies using three different systems over a period of 41 months that diagnosed two primary and one metastatic thoracic malignancy. As guided bronchoscopy systems for the diagnosis of lung nodules continue to advance, it is important to recognize that the full utilization of accessible tools and technologies combined with shared decision making may often lead to a successful procedure and accurate diagnosis.