An insight into interventional bronchoscopy

Abstract

• Through advances in technology and systematic clinical research, Interventional Bronchoscopy provides an option for advanced diagnostics and therapeutics for a range of Respiratory conditions • Robotic Assisted Bronchoscopy provides an alternative to CT guided biopsy for the diagnosis of peripheral lung nodules, whilst ongoing research is developing technologies to deliver therapeutics via this approach • Interventional Bronchoscopy can provide symptomatic relief to patients with malignant central airway obstruction through the insertion of endobronchial stents, electrocautery or cryoextraction • Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction provides a less invasive approach to lung volume reduction in patients with emphysema and hyperinflation, with ongoing research expanding the therapeutic options in these patients • Respiratory physicians can seek input from Interventional Bronchoscopists in cases where diagnosis or management remains a challenge. Transbronchial cryobiopsy provides an option in the diagnosis of unclassified interstitial lung diseases, whilst bronchial thermoplasty can be used for difficult to treat asthmatic patients The emergent field of Interventional Bronchoscopy provides an alternative approach for the diagnosis and management of a range of Respiratory conditions. Within malignant disease, robotic navigational bronchoscopy provides a stable platform to sample small and difficult to reach pulmonary nodules, whilst malignant central airway obstruction can be managed through transcopic stent insertion. A range of therapeutic modalities have been developed for benign disease, which provide alternatives to standard therapy, particularly in the context of endobronchial valves for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and bronchial thermoplasty for Asthma, while transbronchial cryoexcision lung biopsy offers a non-surgical option for undiagnosed Interstitial Lung Disease. With a rich pipeline of technology being developed through robust clinical trial processes, the field of Interventional Bronchoscopy will continue to grow to become an invaluable asset, not only to the field of Respiratory Medicine, but to the General Physician.