Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) combines flexible bronchoscopy with ultrasound imaging to visualise and sample selected lymph nodes and lesions adjacent to the central airways.

EBUS plays an important role in the evaluation of suspected lung cancer and mediastinal lymphadenopathy and can help obtain tissue samples without surgical mediastinal exploration in appropriately selected patients. Current CHEST guidance addresses evidence-based approaches to EBUS-TBNA sampling and specimen handling in suspected malignant disease.

EBUS may also contribute to the diagnosis of selected inflammatory and infectious conditions involving mediastinal lymph nodes.