Robot-Assisted Bronchoscopy

It uses a hand-controller to provide precise guidance and manipulation, and offers physicians improved direct real-time vision, further reach and excellent control as the bronchoscope moves through the air-passages of the lung. In experienced hands, including interventional pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons, it is an extremely powerful tool that combines traditional visual endoscopic views of the lungs with computer-assisted navigation based on 3D models of the patient’s own lung anatomy, providing physicians with a clear vision of the lung throughout the entire procedure.

Patients with lung nodules, lung masses and lung opacities are eligible. Patients with implanted electronic devices in their body or defibrillators will be individually evaluated.

Aakash Modi, MD, director of the Baptist MD Anderson interventional pulmonology program, and Subrato Deb, MD, Chief of the Baptist MD Anderson Section of Thoracic Surgery have been trained and will be the initial users of the system.

Interventional pulmonology is an emerging specialty that includes and expands standard bronchoscopy to manage even more complicated pulmonary conditions.