Optimization of the Lung Biopsy Procedure: A Primer

Image-guided lung biopsy plays a very important role in the diagnosis and management of lung lesions. As a diagnostic tool, it demands a high diagnostic yield and a low complication rate. It is imperative to balance the diagnostic yield and patient safety during lung biopsies. The aim of this article is to review the standard practice guidelines of lung biopsy, to describe the techniques used to minimize the complications associated with lung biopsy, and to describe the management of complications.