title: Convex probe endobronchial ultrasound.
abstract: Convex probe endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a minimally invasive diagnostic technique that allows real-time sampling of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes and central pulmonary lesions. Its utility in diagnosing both malignant and nonmalignant diseases has led to an increased uptake and use by pulmonologists over the past decade. Because of the robust evidence supporting its safety and diagnostic yield, EBUS is now the first guideline recommended test for staging in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It has also a role in providing tissue for molecular analysis, thereby guiding in the selection of agents in the new era of personalized chemotherapies in the treatment of NSCLC. The following review highlights the evidence for EBUS in diagnosing mediastinal pathology and addresses technique, training, and competency and future directions for this technology.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
authors.forename: Brett
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bade
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Furukawa
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
authors.forename: Nichole T
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Tanner
mesh_terms: D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000473:pathology*; D061765:Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration / Q000379:methods*; D019160:Endosonography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D008198:Lymph Nodes; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008482:Mediastinum / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging