Oesophageal applications of the convex curvilinear ultrasound bronchoscope; An illustrative case series

A series of cases is used to demonstrate use of convex curvilinear ultrasound bronchoscope via the oesophagus in the diagnosis of non-nodal thoracic disease. This scope has a breadth of application that has not to date been fully explored. Criteria for preferential use of the oesophagus are delineated. Oesophageal access to mediastinal nodes with the endobronchial ultrasound scope is an active topic in the literature. Two recent publications have highlighted its utility. The authors wish to highlight non-nodal applications that have not been described and general criteria for the use of the oesophagus for diagnosis of thoracic disease.