Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) as a guidance tool for pleural biopsies in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

CLE imaging was feasible and safe regardless of the biopsy method. Real-time visualization of pleural abnormalities in epithelial and sarcomatoid MPM, could be distinguished from pleural fibrosis. Therefore, CLE has potential as a guidance biopsy tool, to reduce the current substantial rate of repeat biopsy procedures, by identification of areas with malignant cells in vivo (smart needle).