[Virtual bronchoscopy].

Virtual bronchoscopy 3-dimensionally displays the bronchial lumen based on helical data. This method is non-invasive, but the image quality depends on the data collection conditions for original images, and the understanding of appropriate threshold setting and artifacts is important. In the central airway, virtual bronchoscopy is useful for the evaluation of airway stenosis, preoperative planning such as that of stent placement and postoperative evaluation, guidance during transbronchial needle biopsy, and educational purposes. For peripheral lesions, virtual bronchoscopic navigation in which virtual bronchoscopy is used as a navigator for the insertion of a bronchoscope was developed, facilitating examination in a short time. Due to technological advances such as multi-slice computed tomography (CT), virtual bronchoscopy can be readily performed, and its correct understanding for routine clinical application is important.