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What Is a Bronchoscopy?

A bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows pulmonologists to examine the airways and lungs using a specialized device called a bronchoscope. It can be used to diagnose lung conditions, evaluate symptoms, and assist with certain treatments.

Rigid and Flexible Bronchoscopies

At Cooper University Health Care, we offer both rigid and flexible bronchoscopes, enabling physicians to choose the safest and most effective option for each patient’s needs. 

Flexible Bronchoscopy

Flexible bronchoscopes have delicate fingertip controls that allow physicians to navigate through the airways and reach smaller, peripheral parts of the lungs. They are often used to identify tumors, bleeding, inflammation, or other abnormalities.

Flexible bronchoscopes can also perform advanced diagnostic and treatment procedures using special tools passed through the scope. This type of bronchoscopy is minimally invasive, does not require general anesthesia, and is typically performed on an outpatient basis.

Rigid Bronchoscopy

Rigid bronchoscopes are straight, stainless steel instruments used for more complex procedures. These require deeper sedation or general anesthesia. 

The larger diameter allows physicians to pass larger tools into the lungs, making it ideal for removing obstructions or performing advanced treatments.

Procedures Performed Through Bronchoscopy

  • Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS): Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a minimally invasive procedure that enables physicians to safely, accurately, and quickly biopsy previously difficult-to-reach lymph nodes and chest abnormalities. The procedure involves using a flexible bronchoscope fitted with a special ultrasound device at its tip so a doctor can visualize and precisely locate abnormalities in the chest and lungs. Using the ultrasound images, the doctor can guide a thin needle to the site of the abnormality and collect tissue samples for biopsy. EBUS is a safe and effective alternative to traditional mediastinoscopy. Cooper is the only South Jersey hospital performing endobronchial ultrasound-guided bronchoscopy.
  • Radial Bronchial Ultrasound (REBUS): Radial ultrasound bronchoscopy (REBUS) is used to locate and biopsy nodules or masses inside the lung tissue, away from the main airways. It is a safe and effective alternative to CT-guided biopsy, with a lower risk of complications such as collapsed lung.
  • Transtracheal and Transbronchial Needle Aspiration: These techniques use a bronchoscope – with or without ultrasound – to guide a fine needle into a suspicious lung or lymph node tissue. The tissue samples are then examined by pathologists to diagnose and stage cancer or identify benign conditions.
Advanced Techniques to Open Blocked Airways

Airway blockages can reduce breathing capacity and impact a patient’s quality of life. Cancer is the most common cause of large airway blockages, although some inflammation and scarring conditions can also cause blockage. Cooper’s interventional pulmonologists use a variety of techniques to unblock airways:

    This technique uses a beam of electricity, carried by argon gas, to burn away abnormal tissue without touching it directly. It is similar to laser treatment but safer.

    With electrocautery, a heated probe or blade makes direct contact with blocking tissue to destroy it. A bronchoscope guides a catheter to the site of the blockage before an electrical current is used to destroy the tissue.

    This method freezes and destroys abnormal tissue using extreme cold. A probe is passed through the bronchoscope and a gas is sent through the tube that cools the tip to well below freezing. Tissues are destroyed through multiple freeze-thaw cycles  and gradually dissolve over time.

    Inhaled objects like food or a broken tooth can become stuck in the airway. While some cases require surgery, many times the foreign body can be removed using a bronchoscopy procedure.

    Sometimes after airways are opened they may close up again, especially if cancer is the cause of the blockage. A stent may be passed through a bronchoscope and expanded at the site of a blockage to keep the airway open.

     This procedure may be appropriate for some patients with emphysema and other lung conditions. The one-way endobronchial valve allows air to escape from damaged lung areas during exhales but blocks air from re-entering during inhales, helping to improve lunch function. This procedure is also used to treat persistent air leaks after lung surgery.

Why Choose Cooper for Bronchoscopy?

At Cooper University Health Care, our experienced interventional pulmonologists provide advanced, patient-centered care for a wide range of lung conditions. Patients and referring providers trust us for our:

  • Comprehensive bronchoscopy capabilities: We offer both flexible and rigid bronchoscopy, giving our specialists the ability to tailor the procedure to each patient’s needs—whether for routine diagnostic purposes or complex airway interventions.
  • Minimally invasive diagnostic expertise: Our team is highly skilled in advanced techniques such as endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and radial ultrasound bronchoscopy (REBUS), allowing for safe and accurate biopsies of hard-to-reach lung and lymph node abnormalities.
  • Advanced airway management: We are regional leaders in treating airway obstructions using state-of-the-art tools, including cryotherapy, electrocautery, argon beam ablation, and airway stenting, helping to restore breathing and improve quality of life.
  • Academic and research leadership: As part of South Jersey’s only academic health system, our pulmonologists are involved in ongoing research and education, offering patients access to the most up-to-date technologies and techniques.

Schedule Your Test Today

Many medical tests require a referral from your doctor. To schedule a test or make an appointment, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737) or click below to schedule online.

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