Community hospital experience using electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy system integrating tidal volume computed tomography mapping

Abstract

Results of the first 50 consecutive patients referred for bronchoscopy or surgery by the tumor review board to confirm suspect lung lesions identified by computed tomography. Electromagnetic navigation was used to biopsy peripheral pulmonary nodules, (19.3 ± 10.7 mm). An electromagnetic tracking system was used to detect miniature position sensors integrated directly into tip-tracked instruments advanced through a 2 mm working channel in a bronchoscope. Learning curve, diagnostic yield, safety and use of the 4D positional information on the patient's tidal volume expiration computed tomography map demonstrate a potential to improve the diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsies of peripheral pulmonary nodules less than 30 mm reporting a diagnostic yield of 83.3% (40/48). Early experience was safe and effective, with a limited learning curve.