Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration for mediastinal masses

EBUS–TBNA may be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, or under general anaesthesia. A flexible bronchoscope containing an ultrasound probe is inserted via the trachea and guided through the bronchial tree towards the appropriate area of the mediastinum. The targeted lymph nodes or masses are identified using bronchoscopic visualisation and ultrasound imaging. A needle extended from the bronchoscope through the bronchial wall is used to puncture the mass and to aspirate tissue. A mass can be punctured several times to gain an adequate sample, and several masses can be punctured during the same session.

EBUS–TBNA is usually performed under real-time ultrasound, but has also been performed under non-real-time ultrasound.