Citations

ABSTRACT Airway perforation is a potentially lethal complication from tracheal or mediastinal malignancies that require complex management. Advanced thyroid cancer is known to have high morbidity, and patients with tracheal metastatic lesions are vulnerable to injury. Therapeutic management typically comprises a combination of surgical and nonoperative treatment modalities, whose adverse effects can lead to significant airway injury. We present the case of a 67‐year‐old man with papillary thyroid carcinoma who developed a tracheocutaneous fistula following proton beam therapy and chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Airway repair and recanalization were successfully achieved through a combined surgical and bronchoscopic approach.

Abstract Introduction Multiple pulmonary nodules (MPNs) are commonly encountered in patients at elevated risk for thoracic malignancy and represent a spectrum of disease states and stages. We evaluated the safety, and procedural outcomes of a combined robotic assisted bronchoscopy (RaB) and linear endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) approach to patients with MPNs during a single bronchoscopic procedure. Methods This multicenter observational registry included patients who underwent RaB for evaluation of MPNs. Data were prospectively collected from six centers between 2019 and 2025. Demographics, imaging characteristics, safety events, and procedural outcomes were analyzed and associated with final diagnosis. Results A total of 191 patients underwent RaB with biopsy of MPN during a single procedure; 167 patients also underwent linear EBUS lymph node sampling. The strict per nodule diagnostic yield was 71.5% overall (first nodule 70.7%, second 74.3%, third 71.4%). At least one malignant nodule was identified in 127 patients (66.8%), and 85 patients (44.5%) had two or more malignant nodules; 15 patients (17.6%) demonstrated heterogeneous histopathology between malignant nodules. Among patients with non–small cell lung cancer, adequate cellularity for next generation sequencing was achieved in 82.6% of nodules. Malignant lymph nodes were identified in 10.8% (18/167). No patients with two pure ground glass nodules (0/8) had malignant nodal involvement. Pneumothorax occurred in 7.3% of cases, with 2.1% requiring chest tube placement; unplanned admissions occurred in 3.7%. Conclusion This study provides a large multisite registry evaluation of performance of simultaneous bronchoscopic sampling of multiple pulmonary nodules with EBUS staging during a single anesthesia event demonstrating an acceptable safety profile and adequacy for molecular profiling.

ABSTRACT Pulmonary vein thrombosis (PVT) is an uncommon but potentially fatal condition that is often underdiagnosed due to nonspecific clinical presentation. We report a case of a 47‐year‐old woman with a thrombus in the right inferior pulmonary vein incidentally found during a robotic‐assisted bronchoscopy biopsy (RAB) and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) performed for mediastinal evaluation and lymph node sampling. PVT was confirmed with computed tomography pulmonary angiography, and the patient was successfully treated with anticoagulation therapy. A review of the literature revealed that reports of PVT detected via EBUS are exceedingly rare and usually malignant in nature. To our knowledge, this is the first peer‐reviewed case report describing PVT identified incidentally during EBUS, underscoring the potential of this technique to reveal clinically significant vascular abnormalities.

Abstract Introduction The diagnosis of fungal lung infections remains challenging as standard tests, such as bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) antigen testing, often yield variable or inconclusive results. These limitations can delay appropriate therapy and may require additional tissue sampling for definitive diagnosis. Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) biopsy has been primarily used as a minimally invasive technique for assessing suspicious peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL). This case series highlights the diagnostic utility of RAB for identifying fungal infections within PPL when conventional BAL antigen analysis is non-diagnostic. Case Description Four patients with suspected infectious or malignant PPL underwent RAB-guided biopsy for diagnostic clarification, all yielding histopathologic confirmation of fungal disease. The first, a 73-year-old bilateral lung-transplant recipient with hemoptysis, had a negative BAL Aspergillus antigen despite RAB biopsy confirming Aspergillus infection. Similarly, a second 73-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and esophageal adenocarcinoma had a negative BAL antigen, while RAB biopsy of bilateral cavitary lesions confirmed Aspergillus. Additionally, a 39-year-old woman with a nodule being evaluated for malignancy, had negative BAL Histoplasma antigen and PCR, whereas RAB biopsy confirmed Histoplasma capsulatum. In contrast, a 56-year-old woman with a right-lower-lobe nodule had a positive BAL Aspergillus antigen that aligned with the histopathologic biopsy findings. Discussion BAL-based antigen testing demonstrates variable diagnostic accuracy in fungal lung disease. Reported sensitivities for Aspergillus detection are typically high in meta-analysis, approximately 80%-90%, but clinical performance in the immunocompromised or high-risk patients is often substantially lower. Similarly, while BAL antigen testing for Histoplasma performs well in disseminated infections, it often fails to detect localized pulmonary disease. In this series, three out of four patients had negative BAL results in the presence of histopathologic confirmation of fungal infection. While current guidelines consider BAL positivity supportive of a “probable” diagnosis, tissue histopathology remains the gold standard for a “proven” infection. These findings emphasize the value and capability of RAB in obtaining direct tissue confirmation when conventional testing, such as BAL antigen analysis, is non-diagnostic. Conclusion RAB-guided biopsy of PPLs offers the opportunity for histopathologic confirmation of fungal infection when BAL testing is non-diagnostic. This approach can enhance upfront diagnostic yield in patients with suspected fungal pulmonary infections, avoiding delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation. This abstract is funded by: None

Abstract Rationale Endobronchial valve (EBV) placement is an established bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) therapy for advanced emphysema. Although randomized trials have shown improvements in lung function, real-world data on predictors of response and complications remain limited. This study evaluated physiological and clinical outcomes after EBV placement and explored predictors of treatment response and adverse events. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 75 patients who underwent EBV placement for severe emphysema at Mayo Clinic Florida between 2018 and 2023. Demographics, comorbidities, pulmonary function test and complications data were collected before and after procedure. Responders were defined as those achieving a ≥ 15% relative increase in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), ≥10% reduction in residual volume (RV), ≥25-meter increase in six-minute walk distance (6MWD), or ≥ 1-point decrease in modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea score. Results The mean age was 70.4 ± 7.1 years, 59% were female, and the mean Body Mass Index was 25.6 ± 4.9 kg/m². Most patients were non-Hispanic White (96%) and ever-smokers (97%, median 40 pack-years). Following EBV placement, FEV1 increased by + 0.10 L (p < 0.001), forced vital capacity by + 0.17 L (p = 0.001), RV decreased by -0.69 L (p < 0.001), while total lung capacity decreased by -0.35 L (p < 0.001). Diffusing capacity, 6MWD, and mMRC did not significantly change. Responder analysis showed FEV1 improvement in 52% (34/65), RV reduction in 65% (42/65), 6MWD gain in 33% (18/55), and mMRC improvement in 33% (21/63). Complete lobar atelectasis occurred in 59% (44/75) and was significantly associated with FEV1 improvement (p < 0.01). 30-day follow up complications included pneumothorax (26.7%), COPD exacerbation (21%), and pneumonia (20%). 15% pneumothoraces were managed conservatively, 55% required chest tube, 30% needed valve removal due to persistent air leak. Valve migration and replacement occurred in 2.6% each, and valve removal in 26.6% patients. Median hospital stay was longer in patients with complications (5 vs 4 days, p = 0.003). In-hospital mortality was 5.3% but no procedure-related deaths were identified. Conclusions EBV placement is a safe and effective BLVR approach yielding significant improvements in FEV1 and reductions in hyperinflation. Pneumothorax and valve-related events were the most frequent complications. Complete lobar atelectasis strongly correlated with functional improvement, suggesting that early reassessment should be considered when collapse is not achieved to prevent complications and unnecessary valve retention. This abstract is funded by: None

Abstract Rationale Advances in bronchoscopic technology, including robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RaB) and cone-beam CT (CBCT), have enabled biopsy of multiple nodules in a single procedure. Here we present the procedural characteristics, safety, diagnostic yield, and use of linear endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) staging in patients with multifocal pulmonary nodules biopsied under a single anesthesia event. Methods This multi-center, retrospective observational study included adults undergoing RaB biopsy of multifocal peripheral pulmonary lesions and lymph node assessment under a single anesthesia event at six U.S. centers from 11/2019 - 8/2025. Procedures utilized either the Ion (Intuitive) or Monarch (Ethicon) systems under general anesthesia. De-identified demographic, radiologic, procedural, pathologic, and safety data were collected in a secure centralized database. Safety outcomes included pneumothorax and its sequelae, hypoxia, and infectious complications. Diagnostic yield was determined using the 2024 ATS/ACCP consensus statement. NGS adequacy was reported from two health systems with well-defined criteria for sufficiency and standard institutional practices for sending NGS testing on both nodules. Statistical analyses utilized included descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-squared/Fisher’s tests where appropriate, and logistic regression. Results Among 191 patients, 177 underwent biopsy of two and 14 of three nodules. Lymph nodes were sampled in 167 (87.4%), with 18 (10.8%) positive for malignancy; notably, 17 of 18 (94%) patients with nodal metastases had at least one fully solid nodule. Complications occurred in 20 patients (10.5%), including pneumothorax in 14 (7.3%), with 4 (2.1%) requiring tube thoracostomy. There were no cases of bilateral pneumothorax. Transient hypoxia occurred in 3 patients (1.6%) and 3 developed outpatient-managed bronchitis. Seven patients (3.7%) required unplanned admission. Overall diagnostic yield was 72.2%, with 122 (63.9%) patients having two diagnostic nodules and 33 (17.4%) having two non-diagnostic nodules. Bronchus sign (OR 2.9, p = 0.003), radial EBUS use (OR 2.6, p = 0.025), and CBCT use (OR 2.4, p = 0.021) were associated with procedures having two diagnostic nodules. At sites with standardized NGS adequacy reporting, 74 of 81 malignant nodules (91%) provided sufficient tissue for NGS. Conclusions •Single-procedure biopsy of multifocal pulmonary nodules is feasible, safe, and achieves industry-standard strict diagnostic yield. •Complications are slightly higher than single-nodule procedures. Serious events were rare. •17 of 18 patients with malignant nodal disease had at least one fully solid nodule; no patients with two pure ground glass nodules had nodal metastasis. •NGS testing was feasible and adequate on the majority of samples, aiding clinicians in staging multifocal nodules. This abstract is funded by: None

ABSTRACTTherapeutic treatment of lung nodules by ablation is a new field. Even though not considered standard of care, lung nodule ablation can be appropriate for select cases. Even though ablation is a safe and well‐tolerated procedure, bleeding is a potential complication. We introduce our stepwise approach through two cases on how we AIM (Anticipate/Adjust, Image, Manage) to prevent uncontrolled bleeding during Robotically Assisted Bronchoscopic Ablation: 1. Anticipate structures with high risk for bleeding and adjust accordingly, accounting for the needle ablation field; 2. Image: utilise cone beam CT before the first and after each ablation session to screen for bleeding; 3. Manage bleeding by pre‐emptively utilising Fogarty balloon occlusion.

ABSTRACTAlthough current treatment strategies for nonmalignant airway stenosis may offer short‐term relief, their effectiveness is limited by high recurrence rates, often requiring additional procedures. While paclitaxel‐coated balloons (PCB) have demonstrated effectiveness in treating stenosis across various vascular and nonvascular conditions, their evidence in recurrent airway stenosis remains limited. Here, we present the case of a 35‐year‐old female with bronchial stenosis who underwent multiple bronchoscopic interventions, all of which were complicated by restenosis. Following the addition of a PCB to the therapeutic regimen, the patient achieved sustained airway patency.

Abstract Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease involves an unregulated inflammatory process that leads to the destruction and remodeling of lung architecture, potentially resulting in air-filled lesions known as bullae. We outline a novel technique for transbronchial decompression of a bulla using robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) in a patient with intraparenchymal emphysematous bullae. Case Description A 74-year-old woman with a medical history significant for COPD, Sjögren's disease, and former smoker, presented to our outpatient clinic with progressively worsening exertional dyspnea over the past two years. The patient underwent a thymectomy for thymic hyperplasia where a right middle bulla was incidentally identified. Posterior bullectomy was not performed intraoperatively due to severe pleural adhesions and the high risk of lung injury during dissection. High-resolution chest computed tomography revealed diffuse subpleural bullous changes, with asymmetric high-attenuation mural foci in several cysts (Figure 1A), with a total volume of 124.11 cm3. Given the high surgical risk, a bronchoscopic approach was decided. Bullae needle aspiration was performed under RAB guidance. Decompression was accomplished using PleurX catheter drainage (Pleur-Evac, Telfex, USA). The connection between the robot and the drainage system utilized a 3-way stopcock (Merit Medical Systems, USA) and a 30 cm vinyl connecting tube (Cook Incorporated, USA). Suction through water seal suction was performed at 20mmHg for 5 min, during which we observed bullae reduction with live intraprocedural mobile CT images. The robot was then retracted, and a 4.0 mm Zephyr endobronchial valve was deployed in the superior segment of the right middle lobe to promote atelectasis, no immediate complications were reported. Post-procedural chest CT demonstrated a significant reduction in bullae size as shown in Figure 1B. At the one-month follow-up, chest X-ray imaging revealed increased atelectasis and persistent collapse in the previously identified area of cystic change. By the two-month follow-up, pulmonary function tests indicated nonspecific ventilatory impairment, with improvements in FEV1% (from 70.5% to 78.2%) and FVC% (from 80.5% to 90.2% of the predicted values). Subsequent follow-ups have demonstrated clinical improvement in the patient's symptoms. Conclusion We contribute to the literature by introducing a novel, non-invasive technique for managing bullae with RAB in patients who are not candidates for surgery. Further studies are warranted to standardize this technique and assess its broader applicability. Figure 1. High-resolution computed tomography showing pre- and post-procedure views of the bullae. (A) Coronal and sagittal views showing the right middle lobe bullae. (66x81mm) (B) Post-procedure view of the chest HRCT (17x29 mm)

Abstract Background: Expiratory central airway collapse (ECAC) is defined by excessive inward bulging of either posterior tracheobronchial membrane or anterolateral cartilage. ECAC commonly coexists with COPD, asthma, GERD, and obstructive sleep apnea. ECAC association with bronchiectasis is yet to be documented. Common conditions leading to bronchiectasis are obstructive lung diseases predisposing to recurrent infections, cystic fibrosis, COPD, or idiopathic. This study aims to evaluate the occurrence of bronchiectasis in patients with ECAC as the primary outcome and the correlation between the severity of bronchiectasis and the severity of ECAC as a secondary outcome. Methods: A retrospective single-center study evaluated patients diagnosed with ECAC using dynamic bronchoscopy in Mayo Clinic, Florida, from June 2019 to December 2020. Radiologists analyzed dynamic, or non-contrast chest computed tomography (CT) scans to evaluate the presence of bronchiectatic changes and the prevalence of bronchiectasis in this population. Bronchiectatic changes were documented using the Brody scoring system which recorded the bronchiectasis size, extent and tree in bud appearance in individual lobes. The final score had a range from 0 to 72. The bronchiectasis scores for individual lung lobes were analyzed to interpret distribution of bronchiectasis in ECAC population. The combined bronchiectasis scores of severe ECAC and non-severe ECAC cohorts were compared to assess if severe ECAC had higher bronchiectatic involvement. Results: Out of the 166 patients diagnosed with ECAC through dynamic bronchoscopy, 133 patients (80.1%) presented bronchiectatic changes in their CT scans. Of the 59 patients with severe ECAC, 51 patients (86.4%) were diagnosed with bronchiectasis. Of the 107 patients with non-severe ECAC, 82 (76.6 %) had bronchiectasis. The mean bronchiectasis scores are greater in right and left lower lobes, followed by middle lobes. The median values between severe and non-severe ECAC were 3 and 3 respectively with a p value of 0.34. The inter quartile range was 9 in severe ECAC group and 6 in non-severe ECAC (graph 1). Discussion: The outcomes of this study showed a significant presence of bronchiectatic changes in the ECAC population, implying the importance of evaluating for other pathologies. It can signify a pathological process similar to other pathologies which predispose to recurrent infections except for cystic fibrosis, which has an upper lobe involvement. The correlation of severity between ECAC and bronchiectasis requires more studies with a larger cohort for significant outcomes.