Comparison of two 22 G aspiration needles for histologic sampling during endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA)

The Impact of Core Tissues on Successful Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis of Specimens Obtained through Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration

The success rate of next-generation sequencing (NGS) with specimens obtained through endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) among patients with lung cancer as well as the related clinical factors remain unclear. We aimed to determine the optimal number of punctures and core tissues during EBUS-TBNA for NGS in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as well as the association of chest computed tomography (CT) and EBUS findings with successful NGS. We retrospectively reviewed 156 consecutive patients with NSCLC who underwent EBUS-TBNA for NGS (Oncomine^TM Dx Target Test). Using the receiver operating characteristic curve, we calculated the optimal numbers of punctures and core tissues for NGS and evaluated CT and EBUS findings suggestive of necrosis and vascular pattern within the lesion. The success rate of NGS was 83.3%. The cut-off value for the number of core tissues was 4, and the sensitivity and specificity of successful NGS were 73.8% and 61.5%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of core tissues (≥4) was the sole predictor of successful NGS. CT and EBUS findings were not associated with successful NGS. Bronchoscopists should obtain sufficient core tissues for successful NGS using EBUS-TBNA specimens.

Comparison of the efficiency of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration using a 22G needle versus 25G needle for the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in patients with lung cancer: a prospective randomized, crossover study

Background

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is generally performed for the diagnosis of hilar/mediastinal lymph node metastasis in patients with lung cancer. Recently, a 25-gauge (G) needle became available, but robust evidence of its usefulness in routine clinical practice is still lacking.

Methods

A prospective randomized crossover trial was performed, in which patients with suspected hilar/mediastinal lymph node metastasis of lung cancer underwent EBUS-TBNA. The primary endpoint was the rate of yield histology specimens containing malignant cells.

Results

From December 2018 to February 2020, 102 patients were randomly assigned to EBUS-TBNA using a 22G needle first, followed by a 25G needle (n=50) or EBUS-TBNA using a 25G needle first, followed by a 22G needle (n=52). There was no difference in the diagnostic yield of malignancy between the histology specimens obtained by using the 22G and 25G needles (75% vs. 75%, respectively, P=0.37). The sizes of the tissue samples (16.4 vs. 4.9 mm², respectively) and number of malignant cells in the tissue samples (626 vs. 400, respectively) were both significantly higher when using the 22G needle than when using the 25G needle.

Conclusions

No significant difference in the diagnostic yield between the 22G and 25G needles was observed for the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis of lung cancer, suggesting that needles of either gauge could be used for the biopsy. However, we would recommend use of the 22G needle, because it provided larger specimens and specimens containing larger numbers of malignant cells.

Trial Registration

University hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry (ID: UMIN000036680).

Evaluation of histological specimens obtained by two types of EBUS-TBNA needles: a comparative study

BACKGROUND

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration is a standard method for obtaining specimens of mediastinal and hilar lesions. Several types of needles of various sizes and materials are available. This study aimed to compare the quality of specimens collected using two needles, cobalt chromium and stainless steel for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration.

METHODS

This retrospective study included data of patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA with a 22-gauge needle made from either stainless steel (41 lesions, 121 punctures) or cobalt chromium (47 lesions, 145 punctures). Histological data per puncture, diagnostic yield per lesion, procedure time and complication rates were compared.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the groups in the baseline characteristics of the patients or lesions or in the complication rates. The rate of diagnostic histological specimens in each sample (71.0% vs. 58.7%, P = 0.039), fewer samples with cartilage alone (1.4% vs. 6.6%, P = 0.047) and fewer samples containing cartilage (7.6% vs. 16.5%, P = 0.034) were seen in the cobalt chromium needle group than in the stainless steel needle group. In both groups, the rate of specimens that only contained blood clots in each sample and diagnostic yield per lesion were similar, but the procedure time was significantly shorter (22 min vs. 26 min, P = 0.007) in the cobalt chromium needle group.

CONCLUSION

Compared with stainless steel needles, cobalt chromium needle for EBUS-TBNA showed lower cartilage contamination and a higher ratio of obtaining diagnostic specimens in each sample. Bronchoscopists should consider using the optimal needle gauges and materials for collecting adequate specimens.

The Successful Removal of a Broken Needle as an Unusual Complication of Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA): A Case Report and Literature Review

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is recommended for the diagnosis of mediastinal lymph nodes by the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines; however, the guidelines state that this procedure should only be performed by a trained bronchoscopist. Complications related to needle malfunction during the EBUS-TBNA procedure have recently been reported. We herein describe a rare case involving the successful management of a needle breakage that occurred as an unusual complication of EBUS-TBNA. An 81-year-old male patient with a medical history of myocardial infarction was introduced to our institution to undergo an evaluation for mediastinal and right hilar lymphadenopathy on chest computed tomography (CT). We performed EBUS-TBNA in a 14×10 mm subcarinal lymph node station using a 22 G aspiration needle (NA-201SX-4022, Vizishot®, Olympus, Japan) for diagnosing and staging of the patient's lung cancer. After the second aspiration, we noticed that the needle tip was broken and that it was stuck in the right main bronchus. We immediately removed the broken needle tip from the right main bronchus by flexible bronchoscopy using an ID 8.5 mm tracheal tube without cuff inflation. The length of the needle tip was 13 mm and it was considerably bent. The EBUS scope did not suffer any apparent damage. The patient did not have any other procedure-related complications. Needle breakage during EBUS-TBNA is rare; however, inhaling or swallowing of a broken needle tip has the potential to cause serious complications. Bronchoscopists should therefore be aware of the possibility of needle breakage, which is an important complication during EBUS-TBNA.

Biopsy needles for mediastinal lymph node sampling by endosonography: current knowledge and future perspectives

Due to the increasing role of endosonography [endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and esophageal ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA)] in the diagnosis of several lung diseases, the knowledge of technical aspects is mandatory to optimize the success of the procedure. Among those technicalities related to the procedure, the choice of a needle over another one-either in terms of dimension and type-may have a role in the diagnostic process, especially in some diseases such as lymphoproliferative disorders. In this review, we analyze the current knowledge about the biopsy needle for endosonography, providing also some hints for the future.

Endobronchial ultrasound: Echoing in the field of pediatrics

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a useful technique for the diagnosis and staging of the lung and mediastinal lesions, which is crucial for selecting treatment protocol. Under EBUS guidance, transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is widely applied for obtaining specimens for histological, cytological, and molecular evaluation. Recently, the EBUS scope designed for adults has been used in large pediatric candidates. The presence of lung masses and mediastinal lymphadenopathy in the pediatric population presents a diagnostic challenge; however, EBUS is a promising tool for pediatricians to address these challenging issues. In some centers, the adult EBUS echobronchoscope is applied in transesophageal procedures for pediatric patients. EBUS-guided TBNA can also be used to perform minimally invasive interventional therapy, such as fiducial marker placement for assisting precision radiation, brachytherapy, and radiofrequency ablation therapy. With the development of EBUS equipment designed specifically for children, pediatric EBUS will play an increasingly important role.

A new needle on the block: EchoTip ProCore endobronchial ultrasound needle

Endobronchial ultrasound has become the first choice standard of care procedure to diagnose benign or malignant lesions involving mediastinum and lung parenchyma adjacent to the airways owing to its characteristics of being real-time and minimally invasive. Although the incidence of lung cancer has been decreasing, it is and will be the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the next few decades. When compared to other cancers, lung cancer kills more females than breast and colon cancers combined and more males than colon and prostate cancers combined. The type of lung cancer has changed in recent decades and adenocarcinoma has become the most frequent cell type. Prognosis of lung cancer depends upon the cell type and the staging at the time of diagnosis. The cell type and molecular characteristics of adenocarcinoma may allow individualized targeted treatment. Other malignant conditions in the mediastinum and lung (eg, metastatic lung cancers and lymphoma) can be biopsied using endobronchial ultrasound needles. Endobronchial ultrasound needle biopsies provides mostly cytology specimens due to its small sizes of needles (22 gauge or larger) which may not give enough tissue to make a definitive diagnosis in malignant (eg, lymphoma) or benign conditions (eg, sarcoidosis). EchoTip ProCore endobronchial needle released in early 2014 provides histologic biopsy material. Larger tissue biopsies may potentially provide a higher diagnostic yield and it eliminates mediastinoscopy or other surgical interventions. Here we aim to review bronchoscopic approach in the diagnosis of mediastinal lesions with emphasis of EchoTip ProCore needles.