Usefulness of Novel Balloon-Less Convex Probe Bronchoscope for Diagnosing and Staging of Lung Cancer via EBUS-TBNA and EUS-B-FNA.

In the winter of 2025, a novel balloon-less convex-probe endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscope (BLCP-EBUS) (Fujifilm EB-710US) was introduced in Japan. It features a balloon-less design, flexible distal tip, improved angulation, and reduced outer diameter, though clinical experience remains limited. Here we report our initial experience using the EB-710US for EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration via the bronchus (EUS-B-FNA). An 86-year-old man with mediastinal lymphadenopathy underwent EBUS-TBNA of a left lower paratracheal lymph node (station #4L). Adequate lesion contact and stable needle aspiration were achieved without a balloon, enabling successful tissue collection and adenocarcinoma diagnosis. A 73-year-old man required a re-biopsy for a multiplex driver mutation test, and EUS-B-FNA of lymph node #8 was performed using a novel bronchoscope. Both procedures were safely completed under conscious sedation, with positive rapid on-site cytology evaluation and sufficient tissue for adenocarcinoma diagnosis. The novel BLCP-EBUS bronchoscope (EB-710US) demonstrated favourable manoeuvrability and adequate lesion contact for both EBUS-TBNA and EUS-B-FNA. The novel bronchoscope may enhance procedural safety, patient comfort, and diagnostic yield.