Our Summary

Pulmonary nodules, small growths in the lung, are increasingly being found during routine chest scans. The most common method to diagnose these nodules is a process called bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy (TBBx), which has a success rate of 43% to 86%. In 2015, a company called Medtronic created a new biopsy tool designed to improve this success rate. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of this new tool, called the GenCut core biopsy system, when used alongside TBBx.

The study explored 324 lung biopsies where both TBBx and the GenCut system were used. The results showed that, of the 324 biopsies, about half were successfully diagnosed using either TBBx or the GenCut system. In total, 59% of successful biopsies were achieved using both methods, 26.2% were successful with only TBBx, and 14.6% were successful with only the GenCut system. The use of the GenCut system improved the success rate by 7.4%, with only 7 complications out of 324 biopsies.

In conclusion, the study found that using the GenCut system alongside TBBx when performing bronchoscopy for lung nodules improves the chance of a successful diagnosis, without increasing the risk of complications. As such, these methods should be used together to achieve the best results.

FAQs

  1. What is the most common method to diagnose pulmonary nodules?
  2. What is the GenCut core biopsy system and how does it improve the success rate of lung biopsies?
  3. What were the results of the study on the use of the GenCut system alongside TBBx in lung biopsies?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a lung biopsy to ensure they follow all pre-procedure instructions provided, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications. They may also advise the patient to inform them of any allergies or medical conditions they have that could affect the procedure. Additionally, the doctor may explain the risks and potential complications of the biopsy, such as bleeding or infection, and discuss post-procedure care instructions, such as resting and avoiding strenuous activities. It is important for the patient to ask any questions they may have and communicate any concerns with their healthcare provider before the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a lung biopsy include those with pulmonary nodules, suspicious lung masses, lung infections, lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, and other lung conditions that require further investigation for diagnosis and treatment. The GenCut core biopsy system may be particularly beneficial for patients with lung nodules who may not have been successfully diagnosed with traditional bronchoscopy methods alone.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  • Patient undergoes routine chest scans which reveal pulmonary nodules
  • Doctor recommends a bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy (TBBx) to diagnose the nodules
  • Patient is informed about the procedure and its potential risks and benefits
  • Patient may undergo pre-operative testing and preparation

After the lung biopsy:

  • Patient is monitored for any immediate complications such as bleeding or infection
  • Patient may experience some pain or discomfort at the biopsy site
  • Results of the biopsy are analyzed by a pathologist
  • Doctor discusses the biopsy results with the patient and determines the next steps for treatment, if needed
  • Patient may require follow-up appointments for monitoring or further treatment

Overall, the timeline from diagnosis to treatment can vary depending on the individual case and the specific findings of the biopsy. It is important for patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations and stay informed throughout the process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about lung biopsy include:

  1. What is the purpose of the lung biopsy?
  2. How will the biopsy be performed?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications of the biopsy procedure?
  4. How long will it take to get the results of the biopsy?
  5. What are the chances of the biopsy providing a definitive diagnosis?
  6. Are there alternative biopsy methods that could be considered?
  7. Will I need to follow any special precautions or restrictions after the biopsy?
  8. How often do complications occur with this type of biopsy procedure?
  9. How experienced is the medical team in performing lung biopsies?
  10. What are the next steps if the biopsy results are inconclusive?

Reference

Authors: Orr L, Krochmal R, Sonti R, DeBrito P, Anderson ED. Journal: J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol. 2022 Apr 1;29(2):140-145. doi: 10.1097/LBR.0000000000000803. PMID: 35318988