What is a Navigational Bronchoscopy?
In a navigational bronchoscopy, a special bronchoscope, called the Ion, is used to examine and treat lesions in small airways of the lungs that are not accessible with a regular bronchoscope. This method combines electromagnetic navigation with CT images to show structures of the lungs and lymph nodes. It can also be used to collect biopsy samples to test for lung conditions.
Causes for a Navigational Bronchoscopy
The most common reasons for needing a navigational bronchoscopy are due to a persistent cough, infection or something unusual seen on a chest X-ray. It is most commonly done by a pulmonologist to find the cause of your lung problem. Other reasons may include:
- Diagnosis of a lung problem.
- Identification of a lung infection.
- Biopsy of tissue from the lung.
- Removal of mucus, foreign body or obstruction in the airways or lung.
- Placement of a small tube to hold airway open.
- Treatment of a lung problem, such as bleeding or a collapsed lung.
- Check the lymph nodes in the chest.
Risk Factors for a Navigational Bronchoscopy
As with all procedures, there are certain risks associated with a navigational bronchoscopy. Although they are uncommon and usually minor, they are more likely if airways are inflamed or damaged by disease. Complications can be related to the procedure itself or the sedative or topical numbing medication. The most common complications include:
- Bleeding.
- Collapsed lung.
- Fever.
- Infection
- Irregular heart rate
What to Expect During a Navigational Bronchoscopy
Prior to your procedure, you may need to stop taking certain medications for several days before. You may be asked not to eat or drink for four to eight hours before the procedure. You will be hooked up to monitors to track your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels during the procedure. A sedative medication will be administered to help you relax or sometimes put you to sleep, and a numbing medication will be sprayed into your throat.
Once you are comfortable, the bronchoscope, a very thin tube with a light and small camera, will slowly be placed down the back of your throat through the vocal cords and into the airways. Although it may be uncomfortable, it should not hurt. A special tool, called an electromagnetic sensor, will be passed through the bronchoscope to show the location in the lungs. Then, a small tissue sample may be taken from the area and special markers will be placed to assist in future treatment.
What to Expect After a Navigational Bronchoscopy
Following your procedure, it is normal to feel numbness in your mouth and throat for a few hours. It is important not to eat or drink anything while your throat is still numb. Trying to swallow while your throat is numb could result in choking. When the numbing medication has worn off, you will be allowed something to eat and drink. Mild sore throat, hoarseness and a cough or muscle aches is normal in the days following. Warm water gargles can help with the discomfort.
Your provider will discuss your results with you one to three days after the procedure. From there, treatment options will be discussed based on the findings of the navigational bronchoscopy. Additional tests or procedures may be needed.
Contact your provider right away if you experience:
- Fever and/or chills that lasts more than 24 hours.
- Increasing chest pain.
- Trouble breathing.
- Coughing up more than a small amount of blood.
- Severe nausea or vomiting.
- Pain that is not controlled by the provided medication.