[The Use of a Navigational Bronchoscopy System for the Diagnosis of Suspected Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions: Our Experience at Meir Medical Center].
The increased use of computed tomography (CT) scans results in increased detection of small pulmonary lesions. Navigational bronchoscopy systems that integrate technologies, such as three-dimensional (3D) imaging and radial endobronchial ultrasound (r-EBUS), have been developed to aid in sampling these lesions. These systems enhance diagnostic precision, improve biopsy success rates, and reduce complications compared to conventional invasive techniques.
To evaluate the diagnostic yield, safety, and effectiveness of the Archimedes system for navigational bronchoscopy in identifying and sampling small and peripheral lung lesions.
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 patients who underwent navigational bronchoscopy using the Archimedes system at Meir Medical Center. The system utilizes advanced CT imaging, 3D virtual pathway construction, and real-time fluoroscopy guidance. Data collection focused on lesion size, location, and diagnostic yield.
The average lesion size was 15.2 ± 7.9 mm, and the overall diagnostic yield was 84.2%, with a 100% success rate for ground-glass opacity (GGO) lesions. No cases of pneumothorax were reported, and only two minor bleeding incidents occurred, requiring no further intervention. A high diagnostic yield was observed for lesions under 20 mm as well as for complex cases.
The Archimedes system demonstrates the clinical potential of navigational bronchoscopy, particularly for small and peripheral pulmonary lesions. Its implementation results in a significant increase in diagnostic yield and enhanced procedural safety. Integrating this technology into high-volume medical centers could improve early and accurate lung cancer diagnosis while maintaining a low complication profile.
To evaluate the diagnostic yield, safety, and effectiveness of the Archimedes system for navigational bronchoscopy in identifying and sampling small and peripheral lung lesions.
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 43 patients who underwent navigational bronchoscopy using the Archimedes system at Meir Medical Center. The system utilizes advanced CT imaging, 3D virtual pathway construction, and real-time fluoroscopy guidance. Data collection focused on lesion size, location, and diagnostic yield.
The average lesion size was 15.2 ± 7.9 mm, and the overall diagnostic yield was 84.2%, with a 100% success rate for ground-glass opacity (GGO) lesions. No cases of pneumothorax were reported, and only two minor bleeding incidents occurred, requiring no further intervention. A high diagnostic yield was observed for lesions under 20 mm as well as for complex cases.
The Archimedes system demonstrates the clinical potential of navigational bronchoscopy, particularly for small and peripheral pulmonary lesions. Its implementation results in a significant increase in diagnostic yield and enhanced procedural safety. Integrating this technology into high-volume medical centers could improve early and accurate lung cancer diagnosis while maintaining a low complication profile.
Authors
Guber Guber, Shitrit Shitrit, Gilboa-Sagy Gilboa-Sagy, Kalachov Kalachov, Romem Romem
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