Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy(ENB) is a novel technology indicated for the diagnostic of peripheral lung lesions.

Evaluate diagnostic yield and safety of ENB during the learning curve and analyze pulmonary lesions characteristic undergoing a biopsy.

A retrospective, single-center, observational study of ENB using the ILLUMISITETM equipment(Medtronic Inc.) was performed in the Interventional Pulmonology Unit of Hospital Sant Pau(Barcelona). Patients with a peripheral lung lesion requiring evaluation were included according to the Lung tumour Committee. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia and orotraqueal intubation. Samples were obteined via PAAF, biopsy forceps and/or cryoprobe. ROSE(rapid on-site evaluation) was available in all cases. The clinical characteristics of the patients and the nodules were evaluated, as well as variables of diagnostic performance and safety.

20 subjects(70% male; mean age 70 years) were studied; 45% had emphysema. The largest diameter of the lesions was 46,87±54,81mm on average. The mean SUVmax was 10,74±6,94. 45% of the patients underwent endoscopic diagnostic procedures without previous navigation. ENB was successful and tissue was obtained in 100%. Sampling was performed with PAAF(95%), forceps biopsy(75%), and cryoprobe biopsy(35%). Follow-up was completed in 100% of subjects; the 20-month diagnostic yield was 80%. No bleeding, pneumothorax or other relevant complications occurred.

Electromagnetic navigation is a safe procedure that allows obtaining a specific cytological and/or histological diagnosis of peripheral nodules in most cases. The results in our center are similar to the results of published studies.