Transbronchial Cryobiopsies

Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2018 Dec;39(6):637-648. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1676645. Epub 2019 Jan 14.

Abstract

Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLCB) is a relatively new and promising technique for the acquisition of larger amounts of higher quality lung tissue for the diagnosis of lung diseases. There is a growing body of literature describing a diagnostic yield comparable to surgical lung biopsy with a favorable safety profile. Due to its advantages TBLCB has garnered significant interest with more institutions beginning to adopt this technique. However, several questions remain including its role in the diagnostic algorithm, indications, and technique. Herein we provide a review of the available literature describing diagnostic yield, complications, and differing techniques as well as a perspective from pathology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy / methods
  • Bronchoscopy / adverse effects
  • Bronchoscopy / methods*
  • Cryosurgery / adverse effects
  • Cryosurgery / methods*
  • Humans
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Lung Diseases / pathology