Recent Advances in Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy

Purpose of Review This article will discuss new advances in cryoprobe technology and procedural utilization for the diagnosis of lung cancer and parenchymal lung diseases. Recent Findings Newly developed smaller cryoprobes can offer similar diagnostic advantages of standard cryoprobes when used as a diagnostic modality in a variety of lung conditions. Bronchoscopic lung cryobiopsy is an innovative diagnostic technique for intraparenchymal lung diseases. Over the past decade, research has been dedicated to evaluating the safety profile of this technique, developing a standard procedural approach, and exploring the utility of this approach for a variety of indications. In this article, we will review recent developments for the diagnostic utility of cryobiopsy in interstitial lung diseases, lung cancer, and lung transplant. We will also describe a technical approach for the procedure and evaluate complications and areas of ongoing research. With a similar safety profile and superior diagnostic yield compared to transbronchial forceps biopsy, ongoing research and development may pave the way for transbronchial lung cryobiopsy to become a first-line, minimally invasive diagnostic approach for many intraparenchymal lung diseases.