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Background: Transbronchial biopsy (TBB) which is performed with metal forceps (forceps TBB) has been accepted as a useful technique in establishing diagnoses of diffuse lung diseases (DLDs). The use of cryoprobes to obtain alveolar tissue (cryo-TBB) is a new method which is currently used by our institute as well as others with excellent results. Objectives: To assess the safety of cryo-TBB compared with conventional forceps TBB. Methods: We performed a retrospective data evaluation of 300 consecutive patients who underwent cryo-TBB between January 2012 and April 2014 and compared them with historical cases treated with forceps TBB between 2010 and 2012. The results of both diagnostic modalities were compared based on pathological reports. The major complications (significant bleeding and pneumothorax) were compared, along with postprocedural hospitalization. Results: Pneumothorax was observed in 15 cases (4.95%) treated with cryo-TBB versus 9 cases (3.15%) treated with forceps TBB, with no significant difference (p = 0.303). The insertion of a chest tube was necessary in 6 (2%) and 4 (1.3%) of the cases having undergone cryo-TBB or forceps TBB, respectively (p = 0.8). In the cryo-TBB group, bleeding was encountered in 16 cases (5.2%), and it occurred in 13 cases (4.5%) of the forceps TBB group, with no significant difference in rates (p = 0.706). Also, there was no significant difference in hospital admission rates between the groups [cryo-TBB: 10 (3.3%); forceps TBB: 4 (1.44%); p = 0.181]. The safety profile of cryo- and forceps TBB remained the same even when stratified according to indications for TBB, i.e. immunocompromised hosts, patients after lung transplantation and those with DLDs. Conclusion: In patients with DLDs, cryo-TBB is as safe as forceps TBB.

Background: The diagnostic yield of endobronchial ultrasound-transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) from mediastinal lymph nodes ranges from 66%-89%. However, in many cases cytologic material is not sufficient for full molecular evaluation. A novel method of transcarinal cryobiopsy aims to provide bronchoscopically obtained, larger specimen samples from mediastinal lymph nodes. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of transcarinal EBUS-guided lymph node cryobiopsy. Methods: Patients referred for EBUS-TBNA, based on abnormal mediastinal clinical and radiographic findings, were enrolled into this prospective interventional study between July 2020 and August 2021. All EBUS-TBNA procedures were performed using ProCore 22G needle (Cook Medical) to create, both a transcarinal tract for the cryoprobe and to obtain TBNA samples. For EBUS guided transcarinal cryobiopsy, we used flexible 1.1 mm or 1.7 mm cryoprobe inserted into the working channel of the EBUS scope and into the target subcarinal lymph node. Results: Twenty-four patients with male predominance 2:1 and mean age of 60.12 AE 10.16 years were enrolled. All target lymph nodes had hypoechoic, homogenic consistency with demarcated borders, without central structures. Cryobiopsy provided pathological diagnosis in 20 cases (83.33%), with 1.1 mm cryoprobe in 14 and with 1.7 mm cryoprobe in 6 cases. In one case each, pathology was provided by TBNA or by cryoprobe alone. No immediate or late complications were encountered during the procedures. Conclusion: Transcarinal EBUS guided lymph node cryobiopsy following EBUS-TBNA proved to be efficient with a high diagnostic yield and can be considered safe, because no immediate or late complications occurred.

BackgroundPatients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have significantly higher incidence of lung cancer (LC) relative to the general population. There is a further increase in LC incidence in patients with IPF subsequent to lung transplant, specifically in patients with IPF undergoing single lung transplant.ObjectivesTo examine the incidence and characteristics of LC in patients with IPF during follow-up and after lung transplantation (LTX).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients with IPF diagnosed with LC in Rabin Medical Center, Israel, over an 11-year period. We compared the characteristics of transplanted patients with IPF diagnosed with LC to patients with IPF who did not undergo lung transplant. Data were accessed from database registries using the words ‘fibrosis’, ‘lung-cancer’ and ‘lung-transplantation’. Demographic parameters included age, gender and smoking history (pack years). Clinical-pathological parameters included lapse in time from IPF diagnosis to LC, type of malignancy, affected pulmonary lobe, and stage at diagnosis, oncological treatment and survival.ResultsBetween 2008 and 2018, 205 patients with IPF underwent lung transplantation at our medical centre. Double LTX was performed in 83 and single LTX in 122 cases. Subsequently, 15 (12.3%) single LTX patients were diagnosed with LC during the study period. During the same period, of 497 non-transplanted patients with IPF followed in our centre, 45 (9.1%) were diagnosed with LC. In all 15 transplanted patients with IPF, LC was diagnosed exclusively in the native fibrotic lung. LC incidence was higher in the transplanted as compared with the non-transplanted group, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (OR=0.7, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.32, p=0.28). At LC diagnosis, the non-transplanted group was older than the transplanted group with average age of 67.7 versus 60.8 years, respectively (p=0.006). Both groups showed male predominance. In both groups, LC was primarily peripheral, lower lobe predominant and most frequently squamous cell carcinoma. The median survival time after LC diagnosis was 4 months in the transplanted group and 11 months in the non-transplanted group (p=0.19). Multivariate analysis showed improved survival in the non-transplanted group among those patients who received oncological treatment.ConclusionChest CT should be performed regularly in order to evaluate IPF patients for potential LC. Single lung transplant IPF patients face an increased risk of post-transplant LC in the native fibrotic lung. Where practicable, IPF patients should be prioritised for double lung transplant.

Background: The use of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) for fiberoptic bronchoscopy was first described in 1982. The LMA was found to be beneficial in operator view, flexibility, and also in maintaining stable oxygen saturation. Despite its advantages, the use of LMA has not become widespread. Objective: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the safety of LMA-assisted bronchoscopy compared to standard nasal bronchoscopy. Methods: We conducted a prospective randomized trial. The study group included 105 patients prospectively randomized to undergo either LMA-assisted (53 patients) or standard nasal bronchoscopy (52 patients). The data collected included continuous monitoring of respiratory and hemodynamic parameters and medication doses. Results: The LMA group had a significantly lower percentage of desaturation (pulse oximetry saturation [SpO₂] <88%) events compared to the non-LMA (NLMA) group (37 vs. 63.4%; p = 0.008). The median percentage of time with SpO₂ >88%, from the total procedure time, was 100% (IQR 98-100) in the LMA group and 98% (IQR 96-98) in the NLMA group (p = 0.003). Sedation in the LMA group required significantly higher doses of propofol (p < 0.001). The mean systolic blood pressure values were significantly lower in the LMA group, but this difference did not result in a higher percentage of clinically significant hypotension. Conclusion: The use of LMA allows for better airway support, stable oxygen saturation, and a more convenient port of entry during flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. These results, together with the known advantages of the laryngeal mask, should lead to more widespread use in the evolving field of interventional pulmonology, in particular in high-risk patients and complicated procedures.

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