A Stitch in Time Saves Nine.

Abstract

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) procedure is nowadays routinely used for diagnostic sampling of mediastinal lymph nodes. Fracture of the needle during the procedure has rarely been reported in the past. This reports the successful retrieval of the broken fragment of the needle using a snare through a fiberoptic bronchoscope. The accidental breakdown of the needle was encountered while performing EBUS-TBNA from the subcarinal lymph node. The cardinal management in such emergencies in resource-constrained settings can be accomplished by maintaining calm, using multiple instruments judiciously in different combinations, and tapping the potential expertise of the team to the fullest.