Our Summary

The paper discusses a new method for diagnosing lung nodules, which are being identified more frequently today. This method, known as electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB), uses a set of tools to help doctors identify and sample these nodules using virtual guidance.

The paper provides a detailed review of ENB, including what different platforms are available, how effective it is, what other tools can be used alongside it, the potential risks and costs, and what other competing technologies exist. The authors also discuss the future of ENB, both as a tool for diagnosis and treatment.

ENB is currently a leading tool for diagnosing lung nodules. However, its future success depends on its ability to expand into treatment and keep up with other competing technologies.

FAQs

  1. What is electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) and how is it used to diagnose lung nodules?
  2. What are the potential risks and costs associated with ENB?
  3. How does ENB compare to other competing technologies for diagnosing lung nodules?

Doctor’s Tip

One tip a doctor might give a patient about lung biopsy using ENB is to make sure to follow all pre-procedure instructions, such as fasting before the procedure and informing the doctor of any medications or allergies. It is also important for the patient to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure, including the potential for complications such as bleeding or infection. Additionally, the patient should follow all post-procedure instructions, such as taking any prescribed medications and avoiding strenuous activity for a certain period of time. Finally, the patient should follow up with their doctor for the results of the biopsy and any further treatment recommendations.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lung biopsy include those with lung nodules or masses that are suspicious for cancer, patients with a history of lung cancer or other cancers that may have spread to the lungs, patients with unexplained lung infections or inflammation, and patients with symptoms such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain that may be related to a lung condition. Additionally, patients who have had inconclusive results from other diagnostic tests such as CT scans or PET scans may also be recommended for a lung biopsy.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy, a patient may experience symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood. They may undergo imaging tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans to identify the presence of lung nodules. Once a lung nodule is identified, the patient may undergo a discussion with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action, which may include a lung biopsy.

During the lung biopsy procedure, the patient will be given anesthesia to numb the area where the biopsy will take place. The doctor will then use a needle or other tool to collect a small sample of tissue from the lung nodule. The patient may experience some discomfort during the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated.

After the lung biopsy, the patient may experience some mild pain or discomfort at the biopsy site. They may also experience some minor bleeding or bruising. The doctor will provide instructions on how to care for the biopsy site and when to follow up for results. The patient will typically receive the biopsy results within a few days to a week, at which point further treatment options may be discussed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) and how does it work?
  2. What are the benefits of using ENB for lung biopsy compared to traditional methods?
  3. Are there any specific conditions or factors that make a patient a good candidate for ENB?
  4. What is the success rate of ENB in accurately diagnosing lung nodules?
  5. What are the potential risks or complications associated with ENB?
  6. How long does the procedure typically take and what is the recovery time?
  7. How often do patients need to undergo follow-up procedures or tests after having an ENB?
  8. Are there any alternative methods or technologies for diagnosing lung nodules that I should consider?
  9. How much does an ENB procedure typically cost and is it covered by insurance?
  10. What advancements or developments are expected in the field of ENB in the future?

Reference

Authors: Shaller BD, Gildea TR. Journal: Expert Rev Respir Med. 2020 Jul;14(7):655-669. doi: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1748012. Epub 2020 Apr 4. PMID: 32216487