Electromagnetic navigation guided bronchoscopy.

This review describes the technique and applications of an emerging bronchoscopic approach utilizing three-dimensional reconstructions of chest computed tomography scans to facilitate electromagnetic guidance to peripheral lung nodules. This approach, electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy, is useful for biopsy, placement of fiducial markers, or dye marking of overlying pleura prior to thoracoscopic wedge resection. This technique offers some potential advantages over other forms of biopsy. The design, application, relative advantages and pitfalls of this system are the subject of this review.