Radial EBUS / Ultrathin Bronchoscopy Procedure Guide

After injecting 2% lidocaine jelly in the nasal cavity, intubate nasally a 4.5 or 5 mm cuff-less tracheal tube under the endo- scopic view. The advantages of using the tracheal tube include ease of insertion/withdrawal, a reduction in the stimulus to the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa and vocal cords caused by movement of the bronchoscope, stabilization of the “floppy” thin bronchoscope, reduction of deflection, and easier transmission of the torque required to advance the bronchoscope to its distal end. Apply local anesthesia to the bronchi using 2% lidocaine and conduct observation as far as the subsegmental bronchus level.

Raise the left hand high and keep the insertion tube straight when inserting the bronchoscope.

It is important to perform the CT scan and plan the bronchial route for accessing the target region beforehand. While ob- serving the branching of the bronchi directly, advance the ultrathin bronchoscope through the bronchi, following the pre- planned route. When it is required to rotate the bronchoscope by large rotation, it is effective to use the insertion tube rota- tion function. If the peripheral bronchi collapse and obstruct the view, which can occur as a result of suction, the view can be usually be reacquired by ceasing to perform suction. If fluoroscopy can be used, confirm that the scope is advancing toward the target lesion.

After approaching the ultrathin bronchoscope as close to the lesion as possible, insert the probe through the instrument channel and advance it toward the lesion.

■ Since the instrument channel is located beside the lens, even when a bronchus appears to be directly in front of the endoscope at a branching point, advancing the probe straight may cause it to enter the bronchus to the side of the bronchus visible in front. Always check the endoscopic image to confirm which bronchus the probe is entering.

■ When the ultrathin bronchoscope is at the closest point to the lesion, push and pull the probe to check whether the EBUS image is reproducible.

■ The tip of the probe should be carefully adjusted to observe the the maximum diameter of the lesion under the ultra- sound image.

The instrument channel of the BF-MP190F has a diameter of 1.7 mm, which is smaller than that of a standard 2.0mm instru- ment channel. Therefore, biopsy forceps with a diameter of 1.5 mm and a cytology brush with a diameter of 1.4 mm can be used.

The lesion in a peripheral bronchus might be sometimes visible within the endoscopic field of view. However, since the peripheral bronchi are thin, collapse easily and have poor visi- bility, there is no need to perform a biopsy under direct view if it is not allowed. After con- firming the probe is positioned “within” the lesion in the EBUS image, wedge the broncho- scope in the bronchus and continue biopsies.

Since specimens collected with ultrathin forceps are smaller than specimens collected with ordinary forceps, several sam- ples will be required. We usually collect 10 specimens and put each specimen in its own individual formalin-filled bottle to prevent loss. After collecting half the target number of biopsy samples (i.e., 5 specimens), reconfirm the lesion position with the probe. When withdrawing the thin forceps from the bronchoscope, pull slowly so as not to alter the orientation of the distal end of the scope.

■ Insertion into the bronchoscope
Pull the ring to retract the brush into the tube, and advance the brush until the distal end of the insertion portion appears within the endoscopic field of view.

■ Collect tissue
Push the ring slowly to extend the brush from the tube and contact the target area.
Brush the target area to collect a tissue specimen.
Pull the ring to retract the brush into the tube before taking the brush away from the target area.

If the ultrathin bronchoscope has reached inside the lesion, withdraw the bronchoscope from the lesion to reduce the risk of intratumoral infection due to washing and then wash the lesion with a small amount (about 5 ml) of saline.

2 hours after completion, check that there is no pneumothorax with fluoroscopy.

Put each specimen in a numbered formalin-filled bottle to prevent loss and send it to the pathology department.