**7. Conclusions**

yield of specimens from peripheral pulmonary lesions/nodules, including those too small to be visualized by fluoroscopy. Nowadays, the evaluation of mediastinal lesions has been facilitated by the use of CP-EBUS probe. This type of probe incorporates a 7.5-MHz ultrasound transducer at the tip of a flexible bronchoscope. Real-time biopsies of the lymph nodes can be carried out with a 22-gauge needle inserted through the working channel. EBUS-TBNA is most commonly used for staging non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but is also used for diagnosis of unexplained mediastinal lymphadenopathy (Figure 12) of other causes. The safety of this technique is well established and few serious complications have been reported, including

**Figure 11.** Radial Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound. Left, probe and deflated balloon. Right, probe within a broncho‐

**Figure 12.** Image of a lymph node biopsy under endobronchial ultrasound guidance. Real-time EBUS-TBNA revealed a

lymph node of 1.69 cm (A). The needle (arrows) is clearly visible in the lymph node (B).

pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and hemomediastinum [30, 31].

92 Advancements and Breakthroughs in Ultrasound Imaging

scope with balloon inflated.

Pleural US has a proven role in improving the safety of pleural procedures and should be offered as standard of care in this setting. US also offers advantages over conventional radiography in the detection, quantification and characterisation of pleural effusions. Lung US has excellent test characteristics for the diagnosis of consolidation, interstitial syndrome and subpleural pulmonary nodules. EBUS based technology may be used in the diagnosis of a lung or mediastinal lesion, staging of lung cancer, and treatment of an endobronchial abnormality.

In the future, chest sonography is likely to be an essential skill for the physician, and training requirements are likely to evolve with advances in the field.
