Thin Bronchoscope and Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation System for Tuberculosis

Thin Bronchoscope and Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation System for Rapid Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and Resistant-conferring Mutations

This study investigates the utility of thin bronchoscope and virtual bronchoscopic navigation system (targeted bronchial washing) for detection of M. tuberculosis and resistant-conferring mutations in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Time to appropriate treatment and stain/culture conversion are also evaluated.

Comparisons of detection rate of M. tuberculosis and resistant-conferring mutations between patients who perform CT-guided conventional bronchoscope and patients who perform VBN-guided thin bronchoscope.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age of 18 or more
• persons who are suspected with pulmonary tuberculosis on radiologic examination
• persons who cannot spit sputum or persons with negative results on sputum AFB smear and TB-PCR or Xpert MTB/RIF assay

Exclusion Criteria:

• persons who do not agree with bronchoscopy (persons who want empirical treatment for TB)

• persons with contraindications for bronchoscopy

  • bleeding tendency
  • uncontrolled respiratory disease (hypoxemia)
  • uncontrolled cardiovascular disease