Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (EMN) is a platform that has been used to diagnose peripheral pulmonary nodules for over 10 years. The basic components of EMN consist of planning software, a location board that emit low frequency electromagnetic waves, computed tomography scan used to reconstruct a three dimensional map, a sensor and computer integration. There is a disparity between reports of diagnostic accuracy of the navigational platforms. This chapter discusses technical aspects of the procedure in addition to review the literature on diagnostic accuracy of ENB, inherent limitations to diagnostic accuracy and methods to increase yield. Also discussed are other applications of ENB in addition to future directions of ENB.

Keywords: Bronchoscopy, Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy, Solitary pulmonary nodule.