ENB in the Diagnosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules

Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy in the Diagnosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules

The study is designed as a multi-center prospective trial with two arms, ENB-EBUS-GS group and EBUS-GS group, and aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield and operation time between the two groups.

The study is designed as a multi-center prospective trial with two arms, ENB-EBUS-GS group and EBUS-GS group, and aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield and operation time between the two groups. Patients with peripheral pulmonary nodules that need to be confirmed by pathology will be enrolled in the study. A total of 400 patients are expected to be enrolled. EBUS will be used in both group. Biopsy, brushing and washing will be performed when EBUS image present. Brushing, washing and lavage will be performed when EBUS image absent.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who are older than 18 year-old.
2. Chest CT shows peripheral pulmonary nodule (8mm<longest diameter≤30mm) suspected to be malignant that need to be confirmed by pathology. The nodule is surrounded by lung parenchyma and invisible in standard bronchoscopy.
3. Patients who agree to undergo bronchoscopy without any contraindications.
4. Patients who have good compliance and sign informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Chest CT scan shows that the pulmonary nodule is pure ground glass opacity.
2. Presence of concomitant endobronchial lesion during the brochoscopy procerdure.
3. Severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction and other indications that can't receive bronchoscopy.