Bronchoscopy is a procedure whereby a small tube, about the size of a pen or pencil, is inserted into the nose or mouth, through the vocal cords and then into the airways.
Austin Pulmonary Consultants uses bronchoscopy to inspect the airways, obtain cultures, and biopsy the lung tissue. Bronchoscopy is performed using conscious, deep, or general anesthesia so the patient is relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
This is typically an outpatient procedure performed at the hospital.
Navigational Bronchoscopy
Navigational bronchoscopy utilizes electromagnetic navigation in association with a patient’s chest CT scan to more accurately locate a pulmonary abnormality. This technique can be used to more accurately biopsy or sample a specific area of the lung. This technique is also used for placement of fiducial markers for radiation therapy for lung cancer.
Endobronchial Ultrasound
Endobronchial ultrasound utilizes a special bronchoscope with an ultrasound at the tip to accurate locate lymph nodes in the chest. A biopsy using a small thin needle can then be done through the bronchoscope to sample various lymph nodes in the chest.
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