This project studied the feasibility of using a new robotic device in sampling small nodules via bronchoscopy. This is a first-in-human study performed at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Bonchoscopy Department.
The project team included: Farzad Bashirzadeh, Jung Hwa Son, Marianne Todman, Adrian Chin, Hau Tan, Karin Steinke, Morgan Windsor.
To demonstrate safety and efficacy of a new robotic device in sampling small peripheral pulmonary nodules.
Sampling small nodules in the lung can be very challenging and any advance in this area is welcomed.
Some of the smallest lung lesions reported in the literature for bronchoscopic biopsy were included in the study. Pre-procedure CT scans were uploaded to the system and navigational pathways were semi-automatically created. Side-by-side viewing of actual and virtual bronchi was used real-time during navigation to the target. Prior to biopsy under fluoroscopy control, an endobronchial ultrasound mini probe was used to confirm lesion location, if Bronchus-sign positive. Specifically-designed flexible transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) needles up to 19G were used along with forceps and brushes.
