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Study of Procedural Efficiency in Endobronchial Ultrasound with Dual versus Single NEEDLEs: Evaluating the Value of a Second Needle in Endobronchial Ultrasound as It Pertains to Economic and Environmental Impact

delete2026-04-01
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PRE
AI
K
Kim, Jeremy J. *
G
Giovacchini, Coral
R
Rowell, Jamie H.
P
Phan, Chinh
S
Slusarenko, Donald Scott
S
Salmon, Cristina
M
Mahmood, Kamran
K
Kirby, Rebecca P.
DOI:10.1159/000551855delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Introduction: Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is the standard for mediastinal and hilar lymph node sampling. Traditionally, a single needle is used, which can lead to procedural downtime while specimens are processed, potentially prolonging anesthesia duration. This study aimed to determine whether using a second needle could expedite the procedure enough to offset its cost. Methods: In a prospective, single-blind, multi-center, randomized controlled trial, 126 adult patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA were randomized to either 1 or 2 needles. The primary outcome was time per needle pass. Secondary outcomes included cost-benefit analysis, diagnostic yield, next-generation sequencing (NGS) sufficiency, and carbon impact. Results: The two-needle group had significantly faster needle passes (56.2 +/- 14.3 vs. 82.1 +/- 21.9 s; p < 0.001), though total procedure time was not significantly different (22.2 +/- 9.1 vs. 24.7 +/- 12.5 min; p = 0.101). More needle passes were performed in the two-needle group (16.9 +/- 6.5 vs. 13.9 +/- 6.1; p = 0.004), with no difference in the number of lymph nodes sampled. Diagnostic yield was 96.0% overall, and NGS sufficiency in cancer cases was 93.6%, with no differences between groups. Conclusion: Using a second needle decreases time per needle pass without changing overall procedure time or compromising diagnostic performance. Although it increases immediate cost and environmental impact, a customizable model was developed to help centers determine when the time savings justify the added expense, based on anesthesia cost, needle price, and planned passes per node.
Keywords:
Endobronchial ultrasound
Transbronchial needle aspiration
Business of bronchoscopy
Environmental impact of bronchoscopy

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Respiration
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3.8
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university of california davis
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F
Feinberg School of Medicine
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University of California System
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Northwestern University
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Citations: 3.9K
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