Longitudinal use of three different navigational bronchoscopy systems to sample lung nodules in a single patient

Abstract

Bronchoscopic techniques to sample suspicious lung nodules have progressed from traditional bronchoscopy to guided navigational bronchoscopy systems. Here we present the case of a patient who underwent navigational bronchoscopies using three different systems over a period of 41 months that diagnosed two primary and one metastatic thoracic malignancy. As guided bronchoscopy systems for the diagnosis of lung nodules continue to advance, it is important to recognize that the full utilization of accessible tools and technologies combined with shared decision making may often lead to a successful procedure and accurate diagnosis.

Keywords

• Robotic bronchoscopy
• Navigational bronchoscopy
• Thoracic malignancy
• Lung nodule
• Impact patient care
• Shared decision making