Needle assembly malfunction: an unusual complication related to endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration.

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration has become an invaluable tool for thoracic physicians. Along with medical complications, it is also important to understand the equipment-related malfunctions. The EBUS scope is delicate and requires dedicated needle assembly for performing the needle aspirates. EBUS scope damage could be expensive and has been well described. We report 2 rare cases of Olympus EBUS needle assembly malfunction (model NA-201SX-4021/4022). The first case describes needle breakage and the second case reports the separation of shaft of sheath-sliding mechanism.