Background: Bronchoscopic techniques can be used to safely sample peripheral lung nodules (PLN), and transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) can further increase the diagnostic yield. Current needle devices not necessarily designed for this indication have limitations. We report our initial experience with a new flexible nitinol peripheral TBNA needle specifically designed for such sampling.
Methods: Retrospective case review describing the first clinical cases performed with a commercially available 21-G peripheral TBNA device in 4 centers.
Results: Eleven different operators performed 40 procedures for PLNs of a mean size of 35.1 mm (±18), and located 18.8 mm (±18.8) from the pleural surface, with 50% of them being present in the upper lobes. Bronchoscopists rated the use of the needle as good or excellent for reaching the PLN in 27/30 (90%) of cases. The TBNA sample was diagnostic in 18/40 cases (45%) overall and in 18/28 (64.3%) of cases where a diagnosis on bronchoscopy was possible. No episode of pneumothorax, significant bleeding, hypoxemia, escalation of care, or other complications were noted.
Conclusion: Our initial experience with a novel peripheral TBNA device appears safe and effective, and may offer technical advantages over other available devices. Additional studies will be required to confirm the role of this device in the approach to bronchoscopic sampling of parenchymal lung nodules.