Added Value of a Small Camera (Iriscope) in the Endoscopic Diagnosis of Peripheral Lung Nodules and Masses

Added Value of a Small Camera (Iriscope) in the Endoscopic Diagnosis of Peripheral Lung Nodules and Masses

Since the beginning of lung screening program in the different countries around the world by chest CT scan, numerous lung nodules and masses of unknown etiology are diagnosed.

Usually, the pathological diagnosis is obtained by bronchoscopy. However, peripheral bronchi cannot be seen after the fifth bronchial division as the diameter of the broncoscope is greated than the diameter of the bronchi. Therefore, the Iriscope was developed. It consists in a thin catheter with a mini-camera at its distal extremity.

The aime of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy guided by Iriscope in the setting of peripheral lung nodules and masses supect of malignancy, to compare the Iriscope to endobronchial radial ultrasonography (which is a validated technique to guide bronchoscopy in the setting of peripheral lung nodules and masses) and to evaluate the added value on the diagnostic yield by combining these 2 techniques.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Lung nodules or masses suspect of malignancy with a diameter between 2 and 5 centimeters

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any contraindication to general anesthesia
• Coagulopathy