Cone-beam CT and Augmented Fluoroscopy-guided Navigation Bronchoscopy: Radiation Exposure and Diagnostic Accuracy Learning Curves.

Background The endobronchial diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions suspected of lung cancer remains a challenge from a navigation as well as an adequate tissue sampling perspective. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) guidance is a relatively new technology and allows for 3-dimensional imaging confirmation as well as navigation and biopsy guidance, but, also involves radiation. This study investigates how radiation exposure and diagnostic accuracy in the CBCT-guided navigation bronchoscopy evolves with increasing experience, and, with a specific tailoring of CBCT and fluoroscopic imaging protocols towards the procedure. Patients and methods In this observational clinical trial, all 238 consecutive patients undergoing a CBCT-guided navigation bronchoscopy from the start of our CBCT-guided navigation bronchoscopy program (December 2017) until June 2020 were included. Procedural dose characteristics and diagnostic accuracy are reported as a function of time. Results Procedural radiation exposure as measured by the dose area product initially was 47.5 Gy·cm2 (effective dose: 14.3 mSv) and gradually reduced to 25.4 Gy·cm2 (5.8 mSv). The reduction in fluoroscopic dose area product was highest, from 19.0 Gy·cm2 (5.2 mSv) to 2.2 Gy·cm2 (0.37 mSv, 88% reduction), despite a significant increase of fluoroscopy time. The diagnostic accuracy of navigation bronchoscopy increased from 72% to 90%. Conclusion A significant learning effect can be seen in the radiation safety and diagnostic accuracy of a CBCT-guided and augmented fluoroscopy-guided navigation bronchoscopy. With increasing experience and tailoring of imaging protocols to the procedure, the procedural accuracy improved, while the effective dose for patients and staff was reduced.