ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the diagnostic value of virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) for peripheral pulmonary lesions. Methods 200 cases with peripheral pulmonary lesions (0.8 cm < diameter < 4.0 cm) were divided into VBN and control group from June 2014 to June 2015. VBN group: VBN guided ultrafine bronchoscope to the target bronchus, control group: ultrafine bronchoscopy with chest CT as a reference guided to the target bronchus. Results There were no significant differences in the diagnosis rates between VBN group and control group in 200 patients (χ2 = 3.31, P = 0.069); But, the diagnosis rates with diameter more than 2.0 cm and less than or equal to 2.0 cm had statistically significant differences of VBN group and control group (χ2 = 13.45, 5.31, P = 0.000, 0.021, respectively); We also found that the mean time of biopsy tool reach to the lesions had significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.047). There were no significant differences in total checking time and complications (P = 0.230, 0.960, respectively). Conclusions Virtual bronchoscopic navigation did not improve the diagnosis rate of pulmonary peripheral lesions, but shortened the time to locate the lesions.