Abstract: Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive method for obtaining peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL). Traditional bronchoscopy-guided transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) is performed under X-ray guidance, and diagnostic rate is relatively low. A new, real-time electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) is a minimally invasive diagnostic technique which appeared in recent years. Studies suggest ENB is a feasible and safe method for diagnosis of PPL which shows higher diagnostic yields than traditional TBLB, and its potential application in localization and treatment of PPL. This article reviews the clinical application of the technique.

Key words: Bronchoscopy, Electromagnetic navigation, Diagnosis, Peripheral pulmonary lesions