Robotic-assisted Bronchoscopy Combined with Multimodal Imaging for Targeted Lung Cryobiopsies

Summary

This article aims to describe a stepwise approach to performing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy combined with fluoroscopy, radial endobronchial ultrasound, and cone beam computed tomography to obtain targeted transbronchial lung cryobiopsies. 

Abstract

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) allows for targeted bronchoscopic biopsy in the lung. A robotic-assisted bronchoscope is navigated through the airways under direct vision after establishing a pathway to a target lesion based on mapping performed on a 3-dimensional (3D) lung and airway reconstruction obtained from a pre-procedure thin-slice computed tomography chest. RAB has maneuverability to distal airways throughout the lung, precise catheter tip articulation, and stability with the robotic arm. Adjunct imaging tools such as fluoroscopy, radial endobronchial ultrasound (r-EBUS), and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be used with RAB. Studies using shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) have shown favorable diagnostic outcomes and safety profiles in both malignant and non-malignant processes for the biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). A 1.1 mm cryoprobe combined with ssRAB has been shown to be safe and effective for the diagnosis of PPLs compared to a traditional bronchoscopy with forceps biopsy. This technique can also be used for targeted lung sampling in benign processes. The aim of this article is to describe a stepwise approach to performing RAB combined with fluoroscopy, r-EBUS, and CBCT to obtain targeted transbronchial lung cryobiopsies (TBLC).

Introduction

Flexible bronchoscopy with transbronchial lung biopsy (TBBX) is a diagnostic modality used for the evaluation of abnormal chest imaging, including masses, nodules, non-resolving infiltrates, or parenchymal lung diseases¹. Diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLD) can often be characterized by fibrosis and/or inflammation. While some patients can be diagnosed noninvasively with a thorough history, physical examination, relevant serologies, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings, and multi-disciplinary discussion (MDD), many patients need an invasive procedure to establish a diagnosis². Co....

Protocol

The protocol described in this article outlines standard clinical practice. The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Institutional Review Board approved the prospective data collection of patients undergoing standard-of-care bronchoscopy with ssRAB (STU-2021-0346), and individual consent is waived for inclusion in our database. Routine procedure consent is obtained from the patient prior to the procedure. Patients who have DPLD radiographically and are acceptable candidates for bronchoscopic biopsy are referre.......

Discussion

This manuscript provides a stepwise approach for performing RAB with fluoroscopy, r-EBUS, and cone beam CT to obtain targeted TBLC. 

There are several critical steps in this protocol. First, patient selection is imperative to ensure patients are both appropriate candidates (the biopsy procedure may have a direct impact on diagnosis and further care) and medically able to undergo the procedure^5,6. Pre-procedure preparation includes.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
0.9% normal saline, 1000 mL	Any make
10 mL Leuer lock syringes	Any make
20 mL slip tip syringes	Any make
Bronchoscope	Intuitive
Bronchoscope processor and video screens	Intuitive
Carbon dioxide gas tank
Cone beam computed tomography system with c-arm and controller console
Disposable valve for biopsy channel
Disposable valve for suction
ERBECRYO 2 1-pedal footswitch AP & IP X8 Equipment US	Erbe	20402-201
ERBECRYO 2 Cart	Erbe	20402-300
ERBECRYO 2 Cryosurgical unit	Erbe	10402-000
ERBECRYO 2 System	Erbe
Flexible Cryoprobe, OD 1.1 mm, L1.15 m with oversheath, OD 2.6 mm, L817 mm	Erbe	20402-401
Flexible gas hose; L 1m for Erbokryo CA/AE/ERBECRYO 2	Erbe	20410-004
Gas bottle adapter H; CO2; Pin index	Erbe	20410-011
Ion endoluminal system with robotic arm, controller console	Intuitive
Ion fully articulating catheter	Intuitive	490105
Ion instruments and accessories
Ion peripheral vision probe	Intuitive	490106
Laptop with PlanPoint planning software	Intuitive
Probe driving unit	Olympus	MAJ-1720
Radial EBUS Probe	Olympus	UM-S20-17S or UM-S20-20R-3
Radial endobronchial ultrasound system
Specimen containers with fixative per institution standards
Sterile disposable cups
Suction tubing
Topical 1:10,000 epinephrine, 10 mL
Topical tranexamic acid 1000mg, 10 mL
Universal ultrasound processor	Olympus	EU-ME2
Wire basket; 339 x 205 x 155 / 100 mm	Erbe	20180-010