Endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided transesophageal cryobiopsy: A case series with technical insights, key enablers, and review of literature

Respirol Case Rep. 2024 Dec 9;12(12):e70082. doi: 10.1002/rcr2.70082. eCollection 2024 Dec.

Abstract

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an established technique for lung cancer staging and the diagnosis of mediastinal diseases. Recently, the paradigm of EBUS guided mediastinal sampling with conventional cytology has shifted over to histology specimens through the use of cryobiopsy. This case series explores the novel technique, key enablers, and potential advantages of endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope-guided transesophageal cryobiopsy (EUS-B-TEC). The findings of this case series suggest that EUS-B-TEC is a safe and valuable addition to the bronchoscopic procedural armamentarium. Further studies are warranted to validate the potential of EUS-B-TEC.

Keywords: bronchoscopy; cryobiopsy; endobronchial ultrasound; lung cancer.