Introduction to EBUS

Hema Yamini Devi Ramarmuty
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) has become an essential tool in bronchoscopy. It is a minimally invasive technique that expands the view of the bronchoscopist beyond the lumen of the airway. EBUS allows us to sample lymph nodes and lung lesions safely and accurately, with real-time guidance.

Linear EBUS is widely used to sample mediastinal lymph nodes, particularly for lung cancer staging and diagnosis. It is also helpful in evaluating mediastinal masses.

Radial EBUS is used to diagnose peripheral lung lesions. Miniature probes and guiding sheaths enable access to smaller, more peripheral areas, reducing the need for surgical biopsy.

In this session, we will review the key principles and clinical applications of EBUS, providing a clear and practical foundation before moving on to more advanced topics. In addition, we will also cover the principles of cryotherapy, which is often used as a complementary tool during EBUS to improve diagnostic yield.