Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
A minimally invasive way to examine and take samples from difficult-to-reach areas of the chest using bronchoscopy and real-time ultrasound.
A closer look inside the chest
Endobronchial ultrasound, or EBUS, is a type of bronchoscopy carried out by a consultant pulmonologist. A flexible scope with a video camera and ultrasound probe at its tip is passed into the airways, allowing the doctor to see the lungs and nearby structures in real time.
EBUS can be combined with transbronchial needle aspiration, or TBNA, to collect samples from lymph nodes in the mediastinum and hilar region of the chest, as well as masses beside the airways.
Taking samples with less invasive access
Traditionally, collecting samples from the mediastinum could involve a small incision at the base of the neck, a rigid scope, and general anaesthesia.
EBUS-TBNA provides a much less invasive route. Real-time ultrasound helps the pulmonologist see difficult-to-reach areas and guide the needle accurately when taking a sample.
What EBUS can help investigate
- Inflammation affecting the lungs or lymph nodes, including sarcoidosis
- Tuberculosis affecting mediastinal or hilar lymph nodes
- Other malignancies involving the lungs or lymph nodes
- Lung cancer, including staging
- Lymphoma, including staging
What to expect
At Mediclinic Middle East, EBUS-TBNA is carried out by a trained pulmonologist as a day care procedure under conscious sedation.
The procedure allows samples to be collected using ultrasound guidance without the more invasive surgical approach traditionally used to reach the same area.
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Meet our pulmonologists
EBUS relies on the pulmonologist being able to navigate the airways, interpret real-time ultrasound, and collect samples accurately from areas that can otherwise be difficult to reach. At Mediclinic Middle East, the procedure is performed by a trained pulmonologist using EBUS-TBNA.