The Experts below are selected from a list of 23118 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Masahide Oki - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Use of an Ultrathin vs Thin Bronchoscope for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions: A Randomized Trial.
Chest, 2019Co-Authors: Masahide Oki, Fumihiro Asano, Hideo Saka, Chiyoe Kitagawa, Yoshihito Kogure, Akifumi Tsuzuku, Masahiko AndoAbstract:Background When evaluating peripheral pulmonary lesions, a 3.0-mm ultrathin bronchoscope (UTB) with a 1.7-mm working channel is advantageous regarding good access to the peripheral airway, whereas a 4.0-mm thin bronchoscope provides a larger 2.0-mm working channel, which allows the use of various instruments including a guide sheath (GS), larger forceps, and an aspiration needle. This study compared multimodal Bronchoscopy using a UTB and a thin bronchoscope with multiple sampling methods for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions. Methods Patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions ≤ 30 mm in diameter were recruited and randomized to undergo endobronchial ultrasonography, virtual Bronchoscopy, and fluoroscopy-guided Bronchoscopy using a 3.0-mm UTB (UTB group) or a 4.0-mm thin bronchoscope (thin bronchoscope group). In the thin bronchoscope group, the use of small forceps with a GS or standard forceps without the GS was permitted. In addition, needle aspiration was performed for lesions into which an ultrasound probe could not be inserted. Results A total of 360 patients were enrolled, and 356 were included in the analyses (median largest lesional diameter, 19 mm). The overall diagnostic yield was significantly higher in the UTB group than in the thin bronchoscope group (70.1% vs 58.7%, respectively; P = .027). The procedure duration was significantly shorter in the UTB group (median, 24.8 vs 26.8 min, respectively; P = .008). The complication rates were 2.8% and 4.5%, respectively (P = .574). Conclusions Multimodal Bronchoscopy using a UTB afforded a higher diagnostic yield than that using a thin bronchoscope in the diagnosis of small peripheral pulmonary lesions. Trial Registry UMIN Clinical Trials Registry; No.: UMIN000010133; URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/
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randomized study of endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial biopsy thin bronchoscopic method versus guide sheath method
Journal of Thoracic Oncology, 2012Co-Authors: Masahide Oki, Hideo Saka, Chiyoe Kitagawa, Yoshihito Kogure, Naohiko Murata, Takashi Adachi, Masahiko AndoAbstract:Introduction In endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy (EBUS-TBB), techniques using a thin bronchoscope or a guide sheath have been proposed for accurate biopsy instrument reinsertion into the bronchial route indicated by a radial ultrasonic probe. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic yields of these techniques for peripheral pulmonary lesions. Methods Patients with suspected peripheral pulmonary lesions were included in this prospective, randomized, noninferiority study and assigned to undergo EBUS-TBB under fluoroscopic guidance using a prototype 3.4-mm thin bronchoscope or a 4.0-mm bronchoscope with a guide sheath. Results A total of 205 patients were enrolled and randomized, of whom 203 patients (101 thin bronchoscopic method; 102 guide sheath method) were included in the analysis. Diagnostic histologic specimens were obtained in 65% (41% for benign and 75% for malignant lesions) of the thin Bronchoscopy group and 62% (25% for benign and 71% for malignant lesions) of the guide sheath group. Diagnostic performance of the thin bronchoscopic method was confirmed to be noninferior to the guide sheath method (difference in diagnostic yields, 3.6%; 90% confidence interval, −7.5 to 14.7%). Mean procedure time was significantly shorter in the thin Bronchoscopy group than the guide sheath group (27 versus 33 minutes; p = 0.002). Complications including pneumothorax, moderate bleeding, and pneumonia occurred in 5% and 2% in the respective groups ( p = 0.28). Conclusions EBUS-TBB using the thin bronchoscope was noninferior to the guide sheath method for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions and was associated with shorter procedural time.
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novel thin bronchoscope with a 1 7 mm working channel for peripheral pulmonary lesions
European Respiratory Journal, 2008Co-Authors: Masahide Oki, Hideo Saka, Chiyoe Kitagawa, S Tanaka, T Shimokata, K Mori, Shigehisa KajikawaAbstract:In the present study, the authors evaluated the diagnostic utility of a novel thin bronchoscope with a 1.7-mm working channel for peripheral pulmonary lesions. A total of 118 patients were included in this prospective study. Bronchoscopic examination was performed using a 5.9-mm standard bronchoscope. If no visible endobronchial lesion was found, transbronchial biopsies were performed with 1.5-mm biopsy forceps under fluoroscopic guidance and the bronchus were washed with 10-20 mL of saline solution, using a prototype 3.5-mm thin bronchoscope with a 1.7-mm working channel. Endobronchial lesion was visualised with the standard bronchoscope in 16 patients, and the other 102 patients underwent biopsies with the thin bronchoscope. The mean bronchus levels reached with the standard bronchoscope and the thin bronchoscope were 2.3 and 4.3 generations, respectively. Endobronchial abnormality was revealed with the thin bronchoscope in a further 14 patients. Diagnostic material was obtained in 50 of 68 (74%) patients with malignant disease and 18 of 30 (60%) patients with benign disease. Four patients did not return to follow-up. The diagnostic yield was 57%, even in lesions <20 mm. There were no major complications. In conclusion, Bronchoscopy using a 3.5-mm thin bronchoscope with a 1.7-mm working channel is useful and safe for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions.
Masahiko Ando - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Use of an Ultrathin vs Thin Bronchoscope for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions: A Randomized Trial.
Chest, 2019Co-Authors: Masahide Oki, Fumihiro Asano, Hideo Saka, Chiyoe Kitagawa, Yoshihito Kogure, Akifumi Tsuzuku, Masahiko AndoAbstract:Background When evaluating peripheral pulmonary lesions, a 3.0-mm ultrathin bronchoscope (UTB) with a 1.7-mm working channel is advantageous regarding good access to the peripheral airway, whereas a 4.0-mm thin bronchoscope provides a larger 2.0-mm working channel, which allows the use of various instruments including a guide sheath (GS), larger forceps, and an aspiration needle. This study compared multimodal Bronchoscopy using a UTB and a thin bronchoscope with multiple sampling methods for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions. Methods Patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions ≤ 30 mm in diameter were recruited and randomized to undergo endobronchial ultrasonography, virtual Bronchoscopy, and fluoroscopy-guided Bronchoscopy using a 3.0-mm UTB (UTB group) or a 4.0-mm thin bronchoscope (thin bronchoscope group). In the thin bronchoscope group, the use of small forceps with a GS or standard forceps without the GS was permitted. In addition, needle aspiration was performed for lesions into which an ultrasound probe could not be inserted. Results A total of 360 patients were enrolled, and 356 were included in the analyses (median largest lesional diameter, 19 mm). The overall diagnostic yield was significantly higher in the UTB group than in the thin bronchoscope group (70.1% vs 58.7%, respectively; P = .027). The procedure duration was significantly shorter in the UTB group (median, 24.8 vs 26.8 min, respectively; P = .008). The complication rates were 2.8% and 4.5%, respectively (P = .574). Conclusions Multimodal Bronchoscopy using a UTB afforded a higher diagnostic yield than that using a thin bronchoscope in the diagnosis of small peripheral pulmonary lesions. Trial Registry UMIN Clinical Trials Registry; No.: UMIN000010133; URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/
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randomized study of endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial biopsy thin bronchoscopic method versus guide sheath method
Journal of Thoracic Oncology, 2012Co-Authors: Masahide Oki, Hideo Saka, Chiyoe Kitagawa, Yoshihito Kogure, Naohiko Murata, Takashi Adachi, Masahiko AndoAbstract:Introduction In endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy (EBUS-TBB), techniques using a thin bronchoscope or a guide sheath have been proposed for accurate biopsy instrument reinsertion into the bronchial route indicated by a radial ultrasonic probe. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic yields of these techniques for peripheral pulmonary lesions. Methods Patients with suspected peripheral pulmonary lesions were included in this prospective, randomized, noninferiority study and assigned to undergo EBUS-TBB under fluoroscopic guidance using a prototype 3.4-mm thin bronchoscope or a 4.0-mm bronchoscope with a guide sheath. Results A total of 205 patients were enrolled and randomized, of whom 203 patients (101 thin bronchoscopic method; 102 guide sheath method) were included in the analysis. Diagnostic histologic specimens were obtained in 65% (41% for benign and 75% for malignant lesions) of the thin Bronchoscopy group and 62% (25% for benign and 71% for malignant lesions) of the guide sheath group. Diagnostic performance of the thin bronchoscopic method was confirmed to be noninferior to the guide sheath method (difference in diagnostic yields, 3.6%; 90% confidence interval, −7.5 to 14.7%). Mean procedure time was significantly shorter in the thin Bronchoscopy group than the guide sheath group (27 versus 33 minutes; p = 0.002). Complications including pneumothorax, moderate bleeding, and pneumonia occurred in 5% and 2% in the respective groups ( p = 0.28). Conclusions EBUS-TBB using the thin bronchoscope was noninferior to the guide sheath method for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions and was associated with shorter procedural time.
Fumihiro Asano - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Use of an Ultrathin vs Thin Bronchoscope for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions: A Randomized Trial.
Chest, 2019Co-Authors: Masahide Oki, Fumihiro Asano, Hideo Saka, Chiyoe Kitagawa, Yoshihito Kogure, Akifumi Tsuzuku, Masahiko AndoAbstract:Background When evaluating peripheral pulmonary lesions, a 3.0-mm ultrathin bronchoscope (UTB) with a 1.7-mm working channel is advantageous regarding good access to the peripheral airway, whereas a 4.0-mm thin bronchoscope provides a larger 2.0-mm working channel, which allows the use of various instruments including a guide sheath (GS), larger forceps, and an aspiration needle. This study compared multimodal Bronchoscopy using a UTB and a thin bronchoscope with multiple sampling methods for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions. Methods Patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions ≤ 30 mm in diameter were recruited and randomized to undergo endobronchial ultrasonography, virtual Bronchoscopy, and fluoroscopy-guided Bronchoscopy using a 3.0-mm UTB (UTB group) or a 4.0-mm thin bronchoscope (thin bronchoscope group). In the thin bronchoscope group, the use of small forceps with a GS or standard forceps without the GS was permitted. In addition, needle aspiration was performed for lesions into which an ultrasound probe could not be inserted. Results A total of 360 patients were enrolled, and 356 were included in the analyses (median largest lesional diameter, 19 mm). The overall diagnostic yield was significantly higher in the UTB group than in the thin bronchoscope group (70.1% vs 58.7%, respectively; P = .027). The procedure duration was significantly shorter in the UTB group (median, 24.8 vs 26.8 min, respectively; P = .008). The complication rates were 2.8% and 4.5%, respectively (P = .574). Conclusions Multimodal Bronchoscopy using a UTB afforded a higher diagnostic yield than that using a thin bronchoscope in the diagnosis of small peripheral pulmonary lesions. Trial Registry UMIN Clinical Trials Registry; No.: UMIN000010133; URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/
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factors related to diagnostic sensitivity using an ultrathin bronchoscope under ct guidance
Chest, 2007Co-Authors: Naofumi Shinagawa, Fumihiro Asano, Koichi Yamazaki, Yuya Onodera, Hajime Asahina, Eiki Kikuchi, Kazuo Miyasaka, Masaharu NishimuraAbstract:Abstract Background: We investigated factors related to the diagnostic sensitivity of CT-guided transbronchial biopsy (TBB) using an ultrathin bronchoscope and virtual Bronchoscopy (VB) navigation for small peripheral pulmonary lesions. Method: We have performed this procedure on 83 patients with 85 small peripheral pulmonary lesions ( Results: Fifty-six of the 85 lesions (66%) were diagnosed following CT-guided TBB using an ultrathin bronchoscope with VB navigation. The lesions located in the left superior segment of the lower lobe (S 6 ) had a significantly low diagnostic sensitivity compared to other locations (p Conclusions: The location of the lesion, the bronchial generation to which an ultrathin bronchoscope was inserted, and the presence of a bronchus as well as a pulmonary artery leading to the lesion were valuable for predicting successful CT-guided TBB using an ultrathin bronchoscope with VB navigation.
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a virtual bronchoscopic navigation system for pulmonary peripheral lesions
Chest, 2006Co-Authors: Fumihiro Asano, Yoshihiko Matsuno, Naofumi Shinagawa, Koichi Yamazaki, Toshitaka Suzuki, Takashi Ishida, Hiroshi MoriyaAbstract:Study objectives We performed ultrathin Bronchoscopy for pulmonary peripheral lesions using a system that displays virtual Bronchoscopy (VB) images to the lesion simultaneously with actual images and navigates the bronchoscope to the target bronchus. We then evaluated the system with regard to its usefulness and problems. Design A pilot study. Setting A tertiary teaching hospital. Patients The subjects were consecutive patients with small pulmonary peripheral lesions (≤ 30 mm). Interventions Using this system, the rotation, advancement, and retreat of VB images were possible, and the bronchus into which the bronchoscope was to be advanced was displayed. VB images were displayed along with actual images, and the ultrathin bronchoscope was advanced to the target bronchus under direct vision. Under CT and radiographic fluoroscopy, a pair of forceps was inserted into the lesion via the bronchoscope. Thin-section CT images were obtained; after confirming the advancement of the bronchoscope into the target bronchus and the arrival of the forceps at the lesion, a biopsy was performed. Results Study subjects included 37 patients with 38 lesions. VB images to a median of the sixth- (third- to ninth-) order bronchi could be produced. Using this system, the ultrathin bronchoscope could be advanced into the planned route for 36 of the 38 lesions (94.7%). The system was used for a median of 2.6 min, and the median examination time was 24.9 min. The biopsy forceps could be advanced to the lesion in 33 of the 38 lesions (86.8%), and diagnosis was possible for 31 lesions (81.6%). Conclusions This navigation system is useful for ultrathin Bronchoscopy for pulmonary peripheral lesions.
Hideo Saka - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Use of an Ultrathin vs Thin Bronchoscope for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions: A Randomized Trial.
Chest, 2019Co-Authors: Masahide Oki, Fumihiro Asano, Hideo Saka, Chiyoe Kitagawa, Yoshihito Kogure, Akifumi Tsuzuku, Masahiko AndoAbstract:Background When evaluating peripheral pulmonary lesions, a 3.0-mm ultrathin bronchoscope (UTB) with a 1.7-mm working channel is advantageous regarding good access to the peripheral airway, whereas a 4.0-mm thin bronchoscope provides a larger 2.0-mm working channel, which allows the use of various instruments including a guide sheath (GS), larger forceps, and an aspiration needle. This study compared multimodal Bronchoscopy using a UTB and a thin bronchoscope with multiple sampling methods for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions. Methods Patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions ≤ 30 mm in diameter were recruited and randomized to undergo endobronchial ultrasonography, virtual Bronchoscopy, and fluoroscopy-guided Bronchoscopy using a 3.0-mm UTB (UTB group) or a 4.0-mm thin bronchoscope (thin bronchoscope group). In the thin bronchoscope group, the use of small forceps with a GS or standard forceps without the GS was permitted. In addition, needle aspiration was performed for lesions into which an ultrasound probe could not be inserted. Results A total of 360 patients were enrolled, and 356 were included in the analyses (median largest lesional diameter, 19 mm). The overall diagnostic yield was significantly higher in the UTB group than in the thin bronchoscope group (70.1% vs 58.7%, respectively; P = .027). The procedure duration was significantly shorter in the UTB group (median, 24.8 vs 26.8 min, respectively; P = .008). The complication rates were 2.8% and 4.5%, respectively (P = .574). Conclusions Multimodal Bronchoscopy using a UTB afforded a higher diagnostic yield than that using a thin bronchoscope in the diagnosis of small peripheral pulmonary lesions. Trial Registry UMIN Clinical Trials Registry; No.: UMIN000010133; URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/
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randomized study of endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial biopsy thin bronchoscopic method versus guide sheath method
Journal of Thoracic Oncology, 2012Co-Authors: Masahide Oki, Hideo Saka, Chiyoe Kitagawa, Yoshihito Kogure, Naohiko Murata, Takashi Adachi, Masahiko AndoAbstract:Introduction In endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy (EBUS-TBB), techniques using a thin bronchoscope or a guide sheath have been proposed for accurate biopsy instrument reinsertion into the bronchial route indicated by a radial ultrasonic probe. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic yields of these techniques for peripheral pulmonary lesions. Methods Patients with suspected peripheral pulmonary lesions were included in this prospective, randomized, noninferiority study and assigned to undergo EBUS-TBB under fluoroscopic guidance using a prototype 3.4-mm thin bronchoscope or a 4.0-mm bronchoscope with a guide sheath. Results A total of 205 patients were enrolled and randomized, of whom 203 patients (101 thin bronchoscopic method; 102 guide sheath method) were included in the analysis. Diagnostic histologic specimens were obtained in 65% (41% for benign and 75% for malignant lesions) of the thin Bronchoscopy group and 62% (25% for benign and 71% for malignant lesions) of the guide sheath group. Diagnostic performance of the thin bronchoscopic method was confirmed to be noninferior to the guide sheath method (difference in diagnostic yields, 3.6%; 90% confidence interval, −7.5 to 14.7%). Mean procedure time was significantly shorter in the thin Bronchoscopy group than the guide sheath group (27 versus 33 minutes; p = 0.002). Complications including pneumothorax, moderate bleeding, and pneumonia occurred in 5% and 2% in the respective groups ( p = 0.28). Conclusions EBUS-TBB using the thin bronchoscope was noninferior to the guide sheath method for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions and was associated with shorter procedural time.
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novel thin bronchoscope with a 1 7 mm working channel for peripheral pulmonary lesions
European Respiratory Journal, 2008Co-Authors: Masahide Oki, Hideo Saka, Chiyoe Kitagawa, S Tanaka, T Shimokata, K Mori, Shigehisa KajikawaAbstract:In the present study, the authors evaluated the diagnostic utility of a novel thin bronchoscope with a 1.7-mm working channel for peripheral pulmonary lesions. A total of 118 patients were included in this prospective study. Bronchoscopic examination was performed using a 5.9-mm standard bronchoscope. If no visible endobronchial lesion was found, transbronchial biopsies were performed with 1.5-mm biopsy forceps under fluoroscopic guidance and the bronchus were washed with 10-20 mL of saline solution, using a prototype 3.5-mm thin bronchoscope with a 1.7-mm working channel. Endobronchial lesion was visualised with the standard bronchoscope in 16 patients, and the other 102 patients underwent biopsies with the thin bronchoscope. The mean bronchus levels reached with the standard bronchoscope and the thin bronchoscope were 2.3 and 4.3 generations, respectively. Endobronchial abnormality was revealed with the thin bronchoscope in a further 14 patients. Diagnostic material was obtained in 50 of 68 (74%) patients with malignant disease and 18 of 30 (60%) patients with benign disease. Four patients did not return to follow-up. The diagnostic yield was 57%, even in lesions <20 mm. There were no major complications. In conclusion, Bronchoscopy using a 3.5-mm thin bronchoscope with a 1.7-mm working channel is useful and safe for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions.
Chiyoe Kitagawa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Use of an Ultrathin vs Thin Bronchoscope for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions: A Randomized Trial.
Chest, 2019Co-Authors: Masahide Oki, Fumihiro Asano, Hideo Saka, Chiyoe Kitagawa, Yoshihito Kogure, Akifumi Tsuzuku, Masahiko AndoAbstract:Background When evaluating peripheral pulmonary lesions, a 3.0-mm ultrathin bronchoscope (UTB) with a 1.7-mm working channel is advantageous regarding good access to the peripheral airway, whereas a 4.0-mm thin bronchoscope provides a larger 2.0-mm working channel, which allows the use of various instruments including a guide sheath (GS), larger forceps, and an aspiration needle. This study compared multimodal Bronchoscopy using a UTB and a thin bronchoscope with multiple sampling methods for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions. Methods Patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions ≤ 30 mm in diameter were recruited and randomized to undergo endobronchial ultrasonography, virtual Bronchoscopy, and fluoroscopy-guided Bronchoscopy using a 3.0-mm UTB (UTB group) or a 4.0-mm thin bronchoscope (thin bronchoscope group). In the thin bronchoscope group, the use of small forceps with a GS or standard forceps without the GS was permitted. In addition, needle aspiration was performed for lesions into which an ultrasound probe could not be inserted. Results A total of 360 patients were enrolled, and 356 were included in the analyses (median largest lesional diameter, 19 mm). The overall diagnostic yield was significantly higher in the UTB group than in the thin bronchoscope group (70.1% vs 58.7%, respectively; P = .027). The procedure duration was significantly shorter in the UTB group (median, 24.8 vs 26.8 min, respectively; P = .008). The complication rates were 2.8% and 4.5%, respectively (P = .574). Conclusions Multimodal Bronchoscopy using a UTB afforded a higher diagnostic yield than that using a thin bronchoscope in the diagnosis of small peripheral pulmonary lesions. Trial Registry UMIN Clinical Trials Registry; No.: UMIN000010133; URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/
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randomized study of endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial biopsy thin bronchoscopic method versus guide sheath method
Journal of Thoracic Oncology, 2012Co-Authors: Masahide Oki, Hideo Saka, Chiyoe Kitagawa, Yoshihito Kogure, Naohiko Murata, Takashi Adachi, Masahiko AndoAbstract:Introduction In endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy (EBUS-TBB), techniques using a thin bronchoscope or a guide sheath have been proposed for accurate biopsy instrument reinsertion into the bronchial route indicated by a radial ultrasonic probe. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic yields of these techniques for peripheral pulmonary lesions. Methods Patients with suspected peripheral pulmonary lesions were included in this prospective, randomized, noninferiority study and assigned to undergo EBUS-TBB under fluoroscopic guidance using a prototype 3.4-mm thin bronchoscope or a 4.0-mm bronchoscope with a guide sheath. Results A total of 205 patients were enrolled and randomized, of whom 203 patients (101 thin bronchoscopic method; 102 guide sheath method) were included in the analysis. Diagnostic histologic specimens were obtained in 65% (41% for benign and 75% for malignant lesions) of the thin Bronchoscopy group and 62% (25% for benign and 71% for malignant lesions) of the guide sheath group. Diagnostic performance of the thin bronchoscopic method was confirmed to be noninferior to the guide sheath method (difference in diagnostic yields, 3.6%; 90% confidence interval, −7.5 to 14.7%). Mean procedure time was significantly shorter in the thin Bronchoscopy group than the guide sheath group (27 versus 33 minutes; p = 0.002). Complications including pneumothorax, moderate bleeding, and pneumonia occurred in 5% and 2% in the respective groups ( p = 0.28). Conclusions EBUS-TBB using the thin bronchoscope was noninferior to the guide sheath method for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions and was associated with shorter procedural time.
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novel thin bronchoscope with a 1 7 mm working channel for peripheral pulmonary lesions
European Respiratory Journal, 2008Co-Authors: Masahide Oki, Hideo Saka, Chiyoe Kitagawa, S Tanaka, T Shimokata, K Mori, Shigehisa KajikawaAbstract:In the present study, the authors evaluated the diagnostic utility of a novel thin bronchoscope with a 1.7-mm working channel for peripheral pulmonary lesions. A total of 118 patients were included in this prospective study. Bronchoscopic examination was performed using a 5.9-mm standard bronchoscope. If no visible endobronchial lesion was found, transbronchial biopsies were performed with 1.5-mm biopsy forceps under fluoroscopic guidance and the bronchus were washed with 10-20 mL of saline solution, using a prototype 3.5-mm thin bronchoscope with a 1.7-mm working channel. Endobronchial lesion was visualised with the standard bronchoscope in 16 patients, and the other 102 patients underwent biopsies with the thin bronchoscope. The mean bronchus levels reached with the standard bronchoscope and the thin bronchoscope were 2.3 and 4.3 generations, respectively. Endobronchial abnormality was revealed with the thin bronchoscope in a further 14 patients. Diagnostic material was obtained in 50 of 68 (74%) patients with malignant disease and 18 of 30 (60%) patients with benign disease. Four patients did not return to follow-up. The diagnostic yield was 57%, even in lesions <20 mm. There were no major complications. In conclusion, Bronchoscopy using a 3.5-mm thin bronchoscope with a 1.7-mm working channel is useful and safe for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions.
