Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy Research Articles

Competency-based medical education in interventional pulmonology: current state and future opportunities.

This chapter examines the evolution and current status of competency-based medical education (CBME) in interventional pulmonology, focusing on procedural skills assessment and training. Traditionally, interventional pulmonology training has used an apprenticeship model with case logs and director attestation, leading to inconsistent outcomes due to a lack of standardized curricula. CBME, established to address these issues, relies on outcome-based assessments to ensure trainees achieve necessary competencies. The chapter reviews various assessment tools, including global rating scales, checklists, and simulation-based methods, and their effectiveness in skill acquisition and clinical evaluation. It also covers specific procedures such as EBUS-TBNA, electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy, and rigid bronchoscopy, discussing their assessment tools and learning curves. The chapter emphasizes the need for standardized assessment tools and suggests using entrustable professional activities (EPAs) to improve competency evaluation. Future directions include integrating real-time artificial intelligence feedback, addressing high-risk low-volume procedures, and enhancing workplace-based assessments to improve interventional pulmonology training and patient care quality. This chapter reviews the transition from traditional apprenticeship models to CBME in interventional pulmonology, highlighting advancements in procedural skills assessment, the effectiveness of various assessment tools, and future directions for improving training and patient care.

Thermal Ablation of Pulmonary Nodules by Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy Combined With Real-Time CT-Based 3D Fusion Navigation:Report of One Case.

A nodule in the right middle lobe of the lung was treated by a combination of cone-beam CT,three-dimensional registration for fusion imaging,and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy-guided thermal ablation.The procedure lasted for 90 min,with no significant bleeding observed under the bronchoscope.The total radiation dose during the operation was 384 mGy.The patient recovered well postoperatively,with only a small amount of blood in the sputum and no pneumothorax or other complications.A follow-up chest CT on the first day post operation showed that the ablation area completely covered the lesion,and the patient was discharged successfully.

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy-guided preoperative lung nodule localization in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS): a learning curve analysis.

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) has been widely used to mark small peripheral pulmonary nodules (PPNs) in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) resection. This technique offers the advantages of a high accuracy and fewer complications. However, few studies have analyzed the learning curve of ENB-guided preoperative localization. We aimed to describe the learning curve and factors influencing ENB-guided thoracoscopic pulmonary nodule resection. This study included 300 consecutive patients with PPNs who underwent ENB-guided localization by the same endoscopist in our department between November 2019 and December 2021. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) method was used to analyze the learning curve of ENB-guided localization and the learning curve in different lobes, while logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting ENB operative time (OT). In 184 patients with 300 nodules, three learning phases were identified through turning points of the learning curve: Phase I (the 16th nodule), Phase II (the 17th to the 107th nodule), and Phase III (the 107th to the 300th nodule). No significant difference was found in the success rate of ENB-guided localization in each phase of the learning curve (100%, 96.7%, and 97.9%, P=0.78). The distance from the localization to the pleura in Phase I was statistically significantly shorter than that in Phase II and Phase III (0.6±0.4 vs. 1.1±0.6 vs. 1.0±0.5 cm, P=0.001 and P=0.003). Furthermore, the learning curves for nodules in different lobes were different. The learning curve for the upper lobe nodules was divided into two phases; the learning curve for the middle lobe disclosed more negative values; and the learning curve for the lower lobe nodules displayed no obvious pattern. Significant differences were found in nodule location, distance from the localization to the pleura and learning curve phase (P=0.003, P<0.001, P=0.02). The independent factors for OT included gender, smoking history, nodule type, distance from localization to the pleura, and learning curve phase. ENB OT at the 107th nodule leveled off and showed a downward trend. Different lobes have different learning curves, the middle lobe is the easiest lobe to learn with ENB and can be used as the first lobe of choice for beginners. The learning curve can objectively evaluate the accuracy of ENB location and help endoscopists identify areas for improvement.

Navigation of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery using electromagnetic versus CT-guided localization (NOVEL): a study protocol for comparing procedural success and complication rates in a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled, non-inferiority phase III trial.

The rise of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has increased the detection of small pulmonary nodules, demanding more effective localization techniques for their resection. Minimally invasive resection utilizing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a critical method for treating these nodules. However, traditional computed tomography (CT)-guided localization has limitations such as invasiveness and patient discomfort. The current gap in knowledge relates to the potential advantages of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) in reducing complications and improving procedural efficiency. The NOVEL trial evaluates the non-inferiority of ENB-guided labeling against CT-guided puncture for lung nodule localization. This multicenter, randomized, controlled, non-inferiority phase III trial includes 156 participants across four Chinese hospitals, randomized to undergo either ENB-guided or CT-guided localization prior to VATS sub-lobar resection. Randomization is performed using sealed opaque envelopes to ensure allocation concealment. Primary outcomes are the procedural success rates and complication rates of both techniques, with secondary outcomes including procedure times and lesion margins. The NOVEL trial aims to provide a detailed comparison of ENB-guided versus CT-guided localization for small pulmonary nodules. Establishing the safety and efficacy of the ENB method could significantly influence clinical practices and improve patient outcomes. This trial was registered with the Medical Research Registration Platform (https://www.medicalresearch.org.cn), registration number MR-31-24-018575.

Intraoperative marking of pulmonary nodules in a hybrid operating room: electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy versus percutaneous marking.

Intraoperative identification of subsolid or small pulmonary nodules during minimally invasive procedures is challenging. Recent localization techniques show varying success and complications. Hybrid operating rooms (HORs), equipped with radiological tools, facilitate intraoperative imaging. This study compares the accuracy and safety of marking pulmonary nodules using electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) combined with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) vs. CBCT-guided percutaneous marking (PM). This retrospective cohort study included patients with pulmonary nodules scheduled for minimally invasive resection in a HOR. Marking techniques included ENB assisted by CBCT and PM guided by CBCT. The study compared the success rate, procedure time, intraoperative complications and radiation dose of both techniques. A total of 104 patients with 114 nodules were included (October 2021-July 2024). Thirty nodules were marked using ENB, and 84 with PM. One case used both techniques due to ENB failure. No differences among groups were found in nodule characteristics. Success rates were similar (93.3% in ENB group vs. 91.7% in PM group, p = 1). Marking took significantly longer time in the ENB group (median 40 min) compared to PM group (25 min, p = 0.007). Five (6%) patients in the PM group experienced intraoperative complications compared to none in the ENB (p = 0.323). Radiation dose was significantly higher in the ENB group (p = 0.002). ENB assisted by CBCT is a safe and effective technique, with success rates comparable to CBCT-guided PM, though it may result in longer procedural times and higher radiation doses.

Cone-beam computed tomography-guided shape-sensing robotic bronchoscopy vs. electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy for pulmonary nodules.

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) and shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) are minimally invasive technologies for the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has shown to increase diagnostic yield by allowing real-time confirmation of position of lesion and biopsy tool. There is a lack of comparative studies of such platforms using CBCT guidance to overcome computed tomography to body divergence. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield of ENB- and ssRAB-guided CBCT for biopsy of pulmonary nodules. We conducted a retrospective comparative study of consecutive patients undergoing ENB-CBCT and ssRAB-CBCT. Navigational success was defined as biopsy tool within lesion confirmed during CBCT. Diagnostic yield was assessed using two methods: (I) presence of malignancy or benign histological findings that lead to a specific diagnosis at the time of bronchoscopy, and (II) longitudinal follow-up of patients with nonspecific benign finding during bronchoscopy. ENB-CBCT was used to biopsy 97 nodules and ssRAB-CBCT was used to biopsy 111 nodules. Median size of the lesion for the ENB-CBCT group was 16.5 mm [interquartile range (IQR), 12-22 mm] as compared to 12 mm (IQR, 9-16 mm) in the ssRAB-CBCT group (P<0.001). Navigational success was 70.1% in ENB-CBCT arm as compared to 83% in ssRAB-CBCT arm respectively (P=0.03). Diagnostic yield was 66% for ENB-CBCT and 89.2% for ssRAB-CBCT (P<0.001) following bronchoscopy; 79.4% for ENB-CBCT and 95.4% for ssRAB-CBCT (P<0.001) with longitudinal follow-up data respectively. Following multivariate regression analysis adjusting for the size of the lesion, distance from the pleura, presence of bronchus sign, number of CBCT spins, and number of nodules, the odds ratio for the diagnostic yield was 4.72 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.05-10.85; P<0.001] in the ssRAB-CBCT group as compared with ENB-CBCT. The overall rate of adverse events was similar in both groups (P=0.77). ssRAB-CBCT showed increased navigational success and diagnostic yield as compared to ENB-CBCT for pulmonary nodule biopsies.

Comparison of electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy localization and CT-guided percutaneous localization in resection of lung nodules: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety between electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) and computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous localization before resection of pulmonary nodules. Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched from January 1, 2000 to April 30, 2022, for relevant studies. Two reviewers conducted the search, selection, and extraction of data from eligible studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The primary outcome was the localization success rate, and the secondary outcomes were the pneumothorax incidence and localization time. The meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager 5.4. The protocol for the meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (Registration number: CRD42022345972). Five cohort studies comprising 441 patients (ENB group: 185, CT group: 256) were analyzed. Compared with the CT-guided group, the ENB-guided group was associated with lower pneumothorax incidence (relative ratio = 0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.04-0.65, P = .01). No significant differences were found in location success rates (relative ratio = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.98-1.05, P = .38) and localization time (mean difference = 0.99, 95% CI: -5.73 to 7.71, P = .77) between the ENB group and CT group. Both ENB and CT-guided are valuable technologies in localizing lung nodules before video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery based on current investigations. ENB achieved a lower pneumothorax rate than the CT-guided group. In our opinion, there is no perfect method, and decision-making should be given the actual circumstances of each institute. Future prospective studies in the form of a randomized trial are needed to confirm their clinical value.

The Importance of Digital Lung Tomosynthesis in Overcoming Computed-Tomography-to-Body Divergence During Bronchoscopic Biopsies of Peripheral Lung Nodules.

The advent of robotic bronchoscopy coupled with electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (EMN) and shape-sensing technology have increased diagnostic yields for peripheral pulmonary nodules compared to traditional bronchoscopy. Yet, diagnostic yields from these bronchoscopic platforms still fall short of where they should be. This shortfall is in large part due to a lack of advanced imaging during peripheral bronchoscopy and computed tomography (CT)-to-body divergence (CTBD). Digital lung tomosynthesis (DLT) is an advanced imaging modality that helps overcome CTBD during bronchoscopic biopsies of lung nodules. DLT is a quasi-3D imaging technique, which reconstructs tomographic images of the lung from a series of 2D fluoroscopic projection images. These images can be acquired either using a digital flat panel fluoroscopy machine or a fluoroscopy machine with a more traditional image-intensifier present in most standard bronchoscopy suites. This review aims to explain the mechanisms of both CTBD and DLT to help diagnose early-stage lung cancer more effectively.

Preoperative localization of pulmonary nodules by electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy combined with methylene blue injection.

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) can help to accurately locate pulmonary nodules using a minimally invasive approach. This study sought to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of dye marking localization under the guidance of ENB followed by surgery. A retrospective analysis was performed of 61 patients who underwent ENB localization using methylene blue dye marking before surgery at Shanghai General Hospital from October 2021 to February 2022. The clinical efficacy and safety of ENB localization and the related factors affecting the navigation time of ENB location were analyzed. ENB was performed on 170 pulmonary nodules in 61 patients with a median age of 60 [interquartile range (IQR), 18] years. The majority of patients (70.69%) had more than two pulmonary nodules. The median maximum nodule diameter was 10 (IQR, 8) mm, and 48.21% of the nodules were mixed ground-glass nodules. Median time for ENB navigation was 10.5 (IQR, 6) min. The navigation success rate was 92.96%, and the ENB location success rate was 95.89%. The rate of complications related to ENB localization was 1.64% (there was only one case of pulmonary hemorrhage). The multivariate analysis showed that the factors related to the navigation time included the node location (P=0.001) and location mode (P=0.04). ENB-guided methylene blue injection is an effective and safe tool for localizing and marking pulmonary nodules, and can be used to assist the diagnosis and treatment of early lung cancer. The node location and location mode had significant effects on navigation time.

Extended segmentectomy for intersegmental lesions with intraoperative surgical margin assessment by radiofrequency identification markers

ObjectiveWe developed a technique to determine deep surgical margins using radiofrequency identification markers. This study assessed the feasibility of this technique during extended segmentectomy of intersegmental lesions. MethodsA single-center, prospective, single-arm study was performed from 2020 to 2023. Small pulmonary lesions suspicious for malignancy locating the virtual intersegmental plane based on 3-dimensional imagery were included. Markers were placed in the vicinity of the lesions using electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy. In addition to indocyanine green injection, surgeons used wireless signal strength to determine the best resection line without lung palpation to obtain surgical margins of 10 mm or the same size as the tumor. ResultsWe analyzed 75 lesions in 75 patients. Median lesion size and depth from the pleura were 12.0 mm and 23.6 mm, respectively. Three-dimensional imagery identified lesions at a median distance of 7.0 mm from the virtual intersegmental plane. The median marker-lesion and marker-virtual intersegmental plane distances were 5.8 mm and 4.9 mm, respectively. Complex segmentectomy was performed in 64 of 75 patients (85.3%). The indocyanine green and preoperative simulated intersegmental lines agreed in 92.0% (69/75). In 6 cases (8.0%), the resection line was determined using radiofrequency identification markers to obtain adequate margins because the indocyanine green undyed area was smaller than the preoperatively simulated one. In 1 patient, planned segmentectomy was converted to lobectomy because of a misplaced radiofrequency identification marker (1.3%). The successful tumor resection rate was 98.7%. The median surgical margin was 16.0 mm. ConclusionsUse of radiofrequency identification markers enabled precise extended segmentectomy with adequate surgical margins.

An alternative bronchoscopic transparenchymal nodule access by “invisible tunnel” technique under electromagnetic navigation without the transbronchial access tool

BackgroundThe diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL) is still challenging. We describe a novel method for sampling PPL without bronchial signs by creating invisible tunnel under electromagnetic navigation without the transbronchial access tool (TABT).MethodsDuring electromagnetic navigation, we adjust the angle of the edge extended working channel catheter based on the real-time position of the lesion in relation to the locating guide rather than preset route. A biopsy brush or biopsy forceps is used to punch a hole in the bronchial wall. A locating guide is then re-inserted to real-time navigate through the lung parenchyma to the lesion. Safety and feasibility of this method was analyzed.ResultsA total of 32 patients who underwent electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy were retrieved. The mean size of the lesion is 23.1 mm. The mean operative time of all patients was 12.4 min. Ten of the patients did not have a direct airway to the lesion, thus creating an invisible tunnel. For them, the length of the tunnel from the bronchial wall POE to the lesion was 11–30 mm, with a mean length of 16.9 mm and a mean operation time of 14.1 min. Adequate samples were obtained from 32 patients (100%), and the diagnostic yield was 87.5% (28/32). Diagnostic yield of with create the invisible tunnel TBAT was 90% (9/10), and one patient undergone pneumothorax after operation.ConclusionsThis method is feasible and safe as a novel approach sampling pulmonary lesions without bronchial signs, and it further improves current tunnel technique.

Diagnostic yield and safety of diagnostic techniques for pulmonary lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and network meta-analysis.

With recent advancements in bronchoscopic procedures, data on the best modality to sample peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) is lacking, especially comparing bronchoscopy with computed tomography-guided transthoracic biopsy or needle aspiration (CT-TBNA). We performed a meta-analysis, pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis on studies reporting diagnostic yield and complications with the use of CT-TBNA, radial endobronchial ultrasound (rEBUS), virtual bronchoscopy (VB), electromagnetic navigation (EMN) or robot-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) to sample PPLs. The primary outcome was diagnostic yield and the secondary outcome was complications. We estimated the relative risk ratios using a random-effects model and used the frequentist approach for the network meta-analysis. We performed extensive analysis to assess the heterogeneity including reporting bias, publication bias, subgroup and meta-regressional analysis. We assessed the quality of the studies using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) and QUADAS-Comparative (QUADAS-C). We included 363 studies. The overall pooled diagnostic yield was 78.1%, the highest with CT-TBNA (88.9%), followed by RAB (84.8%) and the least with rEBUS (72%). In the pairwise meta-analysis, only rEBUS showed inferiority to CT-TBNA. The network meta-analysis ranked CT-TBNA as likely the most effective approach followed by VB, EMN and RAB, while rEBUS was the least effective, with a low-GRADE certainty. CT-TBNA had the highest rate of complications. Although CT-TBNA is the most effective approach to sample PPLs, RAB has a comparable diagnostic yield with a lesser complication rate. Further prospective studies are needed comparing CT-TBNA and RAB.

First-in-human use of a new robotic electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopic platform with integrated Tool-in-Lesion Tomosynthesis (TiLT) technology for peripheral pulmonary lesions: The FRONTIER study.

As the presentation of pulmonary nodules increases, the importance of a safe and accurate method of sampling peripheral pulmonary nodules is highlighted. First-generation robotic bronchoscopy has successfully assisted navigation and improved peripheral reach during bronchoscopy. Integrating tool-in-lesion tomosynthesis (TiLT) may further improve yield. We performed a first-in-human clinical trial of a new robotic electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy system with integrated digital tomosynthesis technology (Galaxy System, Noah Medical). Patients with moderate-risk peripheral pulmonary nodules were enrolled in the study. Robotic bronchoscopy was performed using electromagnetic navigation with TiLT-assisted lesion guidance. Non-specific results were followed up until either a clear diagnosis was achieved or repeat radiology at 6 months demonstrated stability. Eighteen patients (19 nodules) were enrolled. The average lesion size was 20 mm, and the average distance from the pleura was 11.6 mm. The target was successfully reached in 100% of nodules, and the biopsy tool was visualized inside the target lesion in all cases. A confirmed specific diagnosis was achieved in 17 nodules, 13 of which were malignant. In one patient, radiological monitoring confirmed a true non-malignant result. This translates to a yield of 89.5% (strict) to 94.7% (intermediate). Complications included one pneumothorax requiring observation only and another requiring an overnight chest drain. There was one case of severe pneumonia following the procedure. In this first-in-human study, second-generation robotic bronchoscopy using electromagnetic navigation combined with integrated digital tomosynthesis was feasible with an acceptable safety profile and demonstrated a high diagnostic yield for small peripheral lung nodules.

Characterizing the accuracy of robotic bronchoscopy in localization & targeting of small pulmonary lesions.

Considering the recent implementation of lung cancer screening guidelines, it is crucial that small pulmonary nodules are accurately diagnosed. There is a significant need for quick, precise, and minimally invasive biopsy methods, especially for patients with small lung lesions in the outer periphery. Robotic bronchoscopy (RB) has recently emerged as a novel solution. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of RB compared to the existing standard, electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (EM-NB). A prospective, single-blinded, and randomized-controlled study was performed to compare the accuracy of RB to EM-NB in localizing and targeting pulmonary lesions in a porcine lung model. Four operators were tasked with navigating to four pulmonary targets in the outer periphery of a porcine lung, to which they were blinded, using both the RB and EM-NB systems. The dependent variable was accuracy. Accuracy was measured as a rate of success in lesion localization and targeting, the distance from the center of the pulmonary target, and by anatomic location. The independent variable was the navigation system, RB was compared to EM-NB using 1:1 randomization. Of 75 attempts, 72 were successful in lesion localization and 60 were successful in lesion targeting. The success rate for lesion localization was 100% with RB and 91% with EM- NB. The success rate for lesion targeting was 93% with RB and 80% for EM-NB. RB demonstrated superior accuracy in reaching the distance from the center of the lesion, at 0.62mm compared to EM-NB at 1.28mm (p = 0.001). Accuracy was improved using RB compared to EM- NB for lesions in the LLL (p = 0.025), LUL (p < 0.001), and RUL (p < 0.001). Our findings support RB as a more accurate method of navigating and localizing small peripheral pulmonary targets when compared to standard EM-NB in a porcine lung model. This may be attributed to the ability of RB to reduce substantial tissue displacement seen with standard EM-NB navigation. As the development and application of RB advances, so will the ability to accurately diagnose small peripheral lung cancer nodules, providing patients with early-stage lung cancer the best possible outcomes.

Optimal approach for diagnosing peripheral lung nodules by combining electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy and radial probe endobronchial ultrasound.

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) and radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS) are essential bronchoscopic procedures for diagnosing peripheral lung lesions. Despite their individual advantages, the optimal circumstances for their combination remain uncertain. This single-center retrospective study enrolled 473 patients with 529 pulmonary nodules who underwent ENB and/or RP-EBUS biopsies between December 2021 and December 2022. Diagnostic yield was calculated using strict, intermediate, and liberal definitions. In the strict definition, only malignant and specific benign lesions were deemed diagnostic at the time of the index procedure. The intermediate and liberal definitions included additional results from the follow-up period. The diagnostic yield of the strict definition was not statistically different among the three groups (ENB/Combination/RP-EBUS 63.8%/64.2%/62.6%, p = 0.944). However, the diagnostic yield was superior in the ENB + RP-EBUS group for nodules with a bronchus type II or III and a solid part <20 mm (odds ratio 1.96, 95% confidence interval 1.09-3.53, p = 0.02). In terms of complications, bleeding was significantly higher in the ENB + RP-EBUS group (ENB/Combination/RP-EBUS 3.7% /6.2/0.6%, p = 0.002), but no major adverse event was observed. The combination of ENB and RP-EBUS enhanced the diagnostic yield for nodules with bronchus type II or III and solid part <20 mm, despite a slightly elevated risk of bleeding. Careful patient selection based on nodule characteristics is important to benefit from this combined approach.

Robotic Bronchoscopy: A Comprehensive Review

Lung cancer, a major global cause of cancer-related deaths, demands continual advancements in diagnostic methodologies. This review delves into the transformative role of Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy (RAB) in redefining lung cancer diagnostics. As lung cancer screenings intensify, leading to a surge in pulmonary nodule diagnoses, navigational bronchoscopy, notably electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB), faces persistent limitations. Examining key RAB platforms—Monarch™, Ion™ and the Galaxy System™—reveals their distinctive features, with RAB demonstrating superior diagnostic yields over traditional biopsy methods. However, challenges include CT-to-body divergence (CBCT) and divergent findings in diagnostic yield studies and a lack of head-to-head comparisons with non-RAB modalities. Future directions should explore RAB’s potential therapeutic applications, shaping the landscape of both diagnostics and therapeutics in lung cancer management.

Assessing the accuracy of a multisection robotic bronchoscope prototype in localization and targeting of small pulmonary lesions

ObjectivesRobotic bronchoscopy (RB) has emerged as a novel technique to address issues with the biopsy of small peripheral lung lesions. The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess the accuracy of a novel multisection robotic bronchoscope compared with current standards of care. MethodsThis is a prospective, single-blind, comparative study where the accuracy of a multisection RB was compared against the accuracy of standard electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (EM-NB) during lesion localization and targeting. Five blinded subjects of varying bronchoscopy experience were recruited to use both RB and EM-NB in a swine lung model. Accuracy of localization and targeting success was measured as the distance from the center of pulmonary targets at each anatomic location. Subjects used both RB and EM-NB to navigate to 4 pulmonary targets assigned using 1:1 block randomization. Differences in accuracy and time between navigation systems were assessed using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. ResultsOf the 40 total attempts per modality, successful targeting was achieved on 90% and 85% of attempts utilizing RB and EM-NB, respectively. Furthermore, RB demonstrated significantly lower median distance to the real-time EM target (1.1 mm; interquartile range [IQR], 0.6-2.0 mm) compared with EM-NB (2.6 mm; IQR, 1.6-3.8) (P < .001). Median target displacement resulting from lung and bronchus deformation during bronchoscopy was found to be significantly lower using RB (0.8 mm; IQR, 0.5-1.2 mm) compared with EM-NB (2.6 mm; IQR, 1.4-6.4 mm) (P < .001). ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrate that the multi-section RB prototype allows for improved localization and targeting of small peripheral lung nodules compared with current nonrobot bronchoscopy modalities.

Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy Learning Curve Regarding Pneumothorax Rate and Diagnostic Yield.

Electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) has emerged as an innovative technique for diagnosing peripheral and central nodules, offering an improved diagnostic yield compared to conventional bronchoscopy with fewer complications. That being said, pneumothorax remains a frequent complication. This retrospective study conducted at Castle Hill Hospital, UK, analysed ENB procedures over four years to assess the diagnostic yield and pneumothorax rates, exploring learning curves and procedural improvements specifically focusing on the diagnostic yield and pneumothorax rate as markers of change. A total of 246 patients underwent 358 peripheral lung biopsies, revealing an overall diagnostic yield of 61.3%. The diagnostic yield increased from 58.2% in 2020-2021 to 66.0% in 2022-2023while the pneumothorax rate decreased significantly from 9.8% to 3.4% (p = 0.021*). The majority of pneumothorax cases occurred following upper lobe procedures. The study depicts the importance of procedural experience in improving outcomes, suggesting a learning curve effect. Additionally, it emphasizes the potential for technological advancements, such as robotic assistance, to mitigate operator-dependent variability and improve reproducibility in ENB procedures. These findings contribute to optimizing diagnostic pathways for lung lesions and improving patient safety in ENB interventions.

Early comparison robotic bronchoscopy versus electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy for biopsy of pulmonary nodules in a thoracic surgery practice.

Pulmonary nodules are frequently encountered in high-risk patients. Often these require biopsy which can be challenging. We relate our experience comparing use of electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) to a robotic bronchoscopy system (RB). A retrospective review of patients undergoing bronchoscopic biopsy from 2015 to 2021. The timeframe overlapped with transition from ENB using Veran SPiN system to RB using Ion system by Intuitive. Patient and nodule characteristics were collected. Primary end point was overall diagnostic yield which was defined by pathologic confirmation of malignancy or benign finding. Secondary outcomes included diagnostic yield based on overall size of nodules and need for further work up and testing. 116 patients underwent ENB or RB of 134 nodules. No perioperative complications occurred. Diagnostic yield of ENB was 49.5% (41/91 nodules) versus 86.1% (37/43 nodules) for RB. Average nodule size for ENB was 2.55cm versus 1.96cm for RB. When divided based on size, ENB had a 30% diagnostic yield for nodules 1-2cm (11/37 nodules, mean size 1.46cm) and 64% yield for nodules 2-3cm (14/22 nodules, mean size 2.38cm). RB had an 81% yield for nodules 1-2cm (mean size 1.41cm) and 100% yield for nodules 2-3cm (mean 2.3cm). RB showed superiority over ENB in early implementation trials for biopsy of suspicious pulmonary nodules. It is a safe technology allowing for increased access to all lung fields and utilization in the thoracic surgical practice will be paramount to advancing the field.

Single Institution Evaluation of Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy for Diagnosis of Pulmonary Lesions.

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) utilizes three-dimensional reconstructions based on computed tomography to guide the biopsy of pulmonary lesions. Various limitations have been described; however, supporting data have been limited by small sample sizes. Cases of ENB for evaluation of a pulmonary lesion at a single institution during a 1-year span were reviewed for demographics, lesion location, procedural details, and final tissue diagnosis. ENB was performed by 3 pulmonologists using the Veran platform with rapid on-site evaluation. T test or Mann-Whitney U test compared continuous variables and χ 2 or Fisher exact test compared categorical variables as appropriate. A patient with a negative or inconclusive biopsy was followed for 1 year postprocedure. A total of 107 pulmonary lesions were evaluated. The population studied had a mean age of 67 and a median pulmonary lesion size of 26.0 mm. For malignant lesions, the pathologic diagnostic yield from ENB was 52.1% (37/71). The diagnostic yield of benign lesions was much lower at 16.7% (6/36). The overall procedural complication rate was 8.4% (9/107). Complications were more likely to occur in patients with malignant lesions. The most common complication was pneumothorax, occurring in 5.6% of all biopsies and 7.0% of patients with malignant lesions. This study demonstrates significant differences in diagnostic accuracy between lesions found to be malignant versus benign. Our observed complication rate was slightly higher than other groups have reported, with a greater frequency occurring in patients with malignant lesions; however, the rate of pneumothorax was still lower than computed tomography-guided transcutaneous biopsies.