What is Robotic Bronchoscopy?
Robotic bronchoscopy is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose lung conditions, especially small and hard-to-reach lung nodules or masses. It combines the latest in robotic technology with bronchoscopy (a technique where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the lungs via the mouth or nose) to allow pulmonologists to reach deep into the lung’s small airways - areas that traditional bronchoscopies often cannot access. Robotic bronchoscopy uses a robotic-assisted bronchoscope to navigate deep into the bronchial tree (airways in the lungs) to access and biopsy suspicious lung lesions with greater accuracy and stability than traditional bronchoscopies.
Indications for Robotic Bronchoscopy
Robotic bronchoscopy is primarily recommended for the diagnostic evaluation of pulmonary lesions, especially those that are difficult to reach with traditional bronchoscopic methods. Common indications include:
- Evaluation of lung nodules (especially small or hard-to-reach ones)
- Diagnosing lung cancer (especially early-stage, peripheral nodules)
- Biopsy of suspicious lesions
- Sampling for infectious or inflammatory diseases
- Pre-surgical planning
What Does a Robotic Bronchoscopy System Consist Of?
A robotic bronchoscopy system consists of:
- Physician Console – Where the doctor controls the system using a joystick and touchscreen with a 3D map of the lungs.
- Robotic Arm – A mechanical device that precisely moves and stabilizes the bronchoscope inside the airways.
- Robotic Bronchoscope – A thin, flexible tube with a camera and working channel to reach deep lung areas.
- Navigation Software – Uses CT scans to guide the bronchoscope to the target lesion with real-time tracking.
- Biopsy Tools – Instruments like needles and forceps are inserted through the bronchoscope to collect tissue samples.
- Imaging Integration – Optional use of live imaging (e.g., fluoroscopy, ultrasound) to confirm accurate targeting.
This setup enables safer, more accurate diagnosis of lung nodules, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
What Does the Procedure for Robotic Bronchoscopy Involve?
Robotic bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anesthesia to obtain tissue samples from the lungs, especially from small or hard-to-reach nodules in the peripheral lung, where more than 70% of cancerous lung nodules may be located. The procedure begins with a preoperative CT scan that is used to create a 3D map of the patient’s airways. Under general anesthesia, a thin, flexible robotic bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose and into the lungs. The physician, using a controller at a console, navigates the robotic scope with precision to the target nodule or lesion. Real-time imaging technologies, such as fluoroscopy or electromagnetic navigation, assist in guiding the scope. Once the target is reached, biopsy tools are advanced through the working channel of the bronchoscope to collect tissue samples. After the samples are obtained, the scope is carefully withdrawn, and the patient is transferred to the recovery area for observation.
What Happens After a Robotic Bronchoscopy Procedure?
After a robotic bronchoscopy procedure, the patient is taken to a recovery area and closely monitored as the effects of anesthesia wear off. A chest X-ray may be performed to check for complications such as a pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Most patients can go home the same day, although some may be observed longer depending on their condition. Mild side effects like a sore throat, cough, or hoarseness may occur but usually resolve within a day or two. The biopsy samples collected during the procedure are sent to a lab for analysis, and results are typically available within a few days. The healthcare provider will follow up to discuss the findings and recommend any further treatment or testing if needed.
Risks and Complications
Robotic bronchoscopy is generally safe, but like any medical procedure, it carries some risks and potential complications. The most common risks include:
- Bleeding at the biopsy site
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung), which may occur if the biopsy needle punctures the lung
- Infection
- Temporary sore throat, hoarseness, or coughing
- Anesthesia-related risks
Benefits
Robotic bronchoscopy offers several important benefits, especially in the diagnosis of lung conditions. These include:
- Greater accuracy in reaching small or peripheral lung nodules
- Less invasive than surgical biopsy
- Fewer complications than CT-guided transthoracic biopsies
- Improved diagnostic yield, especially for early-stage lung cancer
- Shorter recovery time
