Clinical evaluation of the utility of a flexible 19-gauge EBUS-TBNA needle

• DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2018.04.50
• Publication Date: 2018-05-02T08:11:04Z
• Authors: Tomonari Kinoshita; Hideki Ujiie; Joerg Schwock; Kosuke Fujino; Christine McDonald; Chang Young Lee; Alexander Gregor; Chung Chun Tyan; Simon Houston; Kasia Czarnecka-K...; Hisao Asamura; Kazuhiro Yasufuku
• Keywords: FLEX

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an established modality for the assessment of mediastinal and hilar adenopathy. To overcome sampling limitations standard 21- 22-gauge EBUS-TBNA needles, a new flexible 19-gauge (Flex 19G) was developed. Methods: We performed retrospective analysis patients who underwent with Flex 19G needle. A 22G always used first cytology, followed by needle, either early version (Oct/2014–Sep/2015) or final (May/2016–Jan/2017), tissue sampling. The success rate obtaining samples, specimen quantity, safety were evaluated compared. Results: All procedures in 45 82 targets without complication overall diagnostic yield from cytology 100%. Furthermore, 28% samples sufficient histopathological diagnosis. Yield improved increased number passes if target larger. Compared to 52 targets, 30 provided significantly larger volume more frequent cores. Tissue obtained retained cohesiveness degree higher cellularity compared cytological processed as cell blocks. Conclusions: safe provides volumetric cohesive that are appropriate processing. could be good choice selected cases where greater acquisition required.