Cryoprobe transbronchial lung biopsy with flexible bronchoscope using Arndt endobronchial blocker

Abstract

Cryoprobe transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB)/transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is increasingly being described as an alternative to surgical lung biopsy and provides larger lung biopsy samples as compared with conventional TBLB in patients with diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. The technique for cryoprobe TBLB procedure has not yet been standardized, and various authors describe different modalities. However, the use of an artificial airway (rigid bronchoscope or endotracheal tube) is preferred for airway protection. In addition, the use of an occlusion balloon provides safety to prevent excessive bleeding. The exclusive use of rigid bronchoscopy may limit the widespread adoption of this diagnostic modality. We describe a method to perform cryoprobe TBLB with exclusive use of a flexible bronchoscope and utilization of Arndt endobronchial blocker as an occlusion balloon. The procedure was performed in two patients under moderate conscious sedation. Adequate lung biopsies were obtained in both the cases without any complications. This modality may allow safe performance of cryoprobe TBLB with a flexible bronchoscope. Herein, we describe the technical and procedural considerations of this modality.

Keywords

• Bronchoscopy
• cryotherapy
• transbronchial lung biopsy