Endobronchial ultrasound

SummaryThe efficacy and technical aspects of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) are reviewed because this technology promises to revolutionise bronchoscopy. EBUS extends the endoscopist's view beyond the mucosal surface of the large airways to peri-bronchial structures and peripheral lung lesions. Guided biopsies and real-time transbronchial needle aspirations (TBNA) have been shown to increase the diagnostic yield over conventional bronchoscopic techniques. The technology is available in two forms: radial EBUS probes and linear EBUS–TBNA bronchoscopes. Radial EBUS utilizes higher frequencies and the transducer is inserted via a standard flexible bronchoscope. The higher ultrasound frequencies improve image resolution to