Cryobiopsy in Interstitial Lung Disease: Is It Prime Time?

Purpose of ReviewTransbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) may be used as an alternative to surgical lung biopsy (SLB) for the histopathologic evaluation of interstitial lung disease (ILD) at experienced centers. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent guidelines and evidence for the use of TBCB in the diagnosis of ILD including technique, review of efficacy, safety, and future perspectives.Recent FindingsTBCB delivers reasonable diagnostic efficacy and offers meaningful contributions to multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) by increasing diagnostic confidence, providing prognostic information, and influencing management. TBCB has a favorable safety profile compared to SLB when performed at centers of expertise; however, a steep learning curve is well documented.TBCB is an acceptable alternative to SLB in the evaluation of ILD when performed with appropriate expertise. Further research on diagnostic efficacy, safety in high-risk populations, use of imaging guidance techniques, and necessary procedural training is required.