Applicability of Endobronchial Ultrasound and Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation Combined with Rapid On-Site Evaluation in Diagnosing Peripheral Lung Lesions

Abstract Background To investigate the value of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) combined with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) in diagnosing peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). Methods Between January 1st 2019 to September 1st 2021, EBUS and VBN examination were performed in 250 consecutive patients with PPLs who were admitted to Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University (Fujian, China). Finally, 198 eligible patients were randomly divided into ROSE group (100 cases) and non-ROSE group (98 cases). The diagnostic yield of brushing and biopsy, the complications, the procedure time, the diagnosis time and expense during diagnosis were analyzed. Results In the ROSE group, the positive rate of EBUS brushing and biopsy were 68%, 84%, repectively. The average procedure time and diagnosis time were 18.6 ± 6.8 min, 3.84 ± 4.28 days, repectively, and the average expense was 4093.15 ± 4494.67 yuan. In the controls, the positive rate of brushing and biopsy were 44%, 74%, repectively. The average procedure time and diagnosis time were 15.4 ± 5.7 min, 6.46 ± 3.66 days, repectively. And the average expense during diagnosis was 6420.28 ± 4541.33 yuan. There was significant difference in the positive rate of EBUS brushing and biopsy, diagnosis time and expense during diagnosis between both groups. And no significant difference was observed in the complications and the procedure time. Additionally, the impact of ROSE on diagnostic yield in right upper lobe and the size of lesion ≤2 cm in diameter was significant. Conclusion In combination with ROSE, EBUS could significantly improve the positive rate of diagnosing PPLs, shorten diagnosis time and reduce expense during diagnosis. ROSE will be of great importance in the diagnosis of PPLs and medical resource.