Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation to Increase Diagnostic Yield in Patients With Pulmonary Nodules
Background Transthoracic computed tomography (CT)-guided procedures are the current gold Standard for obtaining diagnostic biopsies of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) in the peripheral lung. Novel endobronchial techniques, such as electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) or Virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) are considered safer to approach SPNs. The newest technique combines VBN with calculating the access to a SPN via a transparenchymal route. In contrast to the gold Standard transthoracic approach, also small lesions, and lesions which cannot be reached transthoracicaliy, located in the innertwo thirdsof the lung can be approached. Main research question To assess diagnostic yield of the novel Standard of care 'Virtual bronchoscopy navigation procedure. Design (including population, confounders/outcomes) A single centre, prospective, observational study of patients undergoing the novel Standard of care Virtual bronchoscopy navigation procedure to assess a pulmonary nodule. Clinical data of at least 100 consecutive patients will be collected.
• age \>18
• pulmonary nodule(s) suspicious for malignancy or metastases of a known primary tumour
• a distinct nodule with a diameter of \>6 mm in its largest dimension
• nodule located in the parenchymal tissue \>1 cm from the pleura and bronchoscopically accessible through a point of entry
• willing to give informed consent to the procedure.