Robotic Bronchoscopy

A Faster, Simpler Diagnosis

In the past, diagnosing lung cancer often took months and sometimes required several biopsies. Robotic bronchoscopy can make the process quicker. It helps doctors reach and test small lung nodules, especially those located in the outer areas of the lungs where suspicious spots are often found.

Learn more about this procedure on KTVB's Life in Balance.

Is My Lung Nodule Cancer?

If you or someone you love has a lung nodule or lung mass, robotic bronchoscopy can help doctors find out what it is through a safe and accurate biopsy.

What Is Robotic Bronchoscopy?

Robotic bronchoscopy is a procedure that uses advanced technology to help doctors perform lung biopsies with greater accuracy. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is guided through the airways and deep into the lungs to reach areas that may be difficult to access with traditional methods.

Key Features

• BetterReach: The thin catheter can travel through the lungs while built-in imaging helps doctors see where they are going.
• Greater Accuracy: Advanced navigation technology helps doctors find and biopsy the exact area that needs to be tested.
• Flexible Movement: The catheter can bend and move through the lungs' airways to reach hard-to-access nodules.

Benefits for Patients

Before robotic bronchoscopy was available, some lung biopsies required more invasive procedures that carried additional risks. Robotic bronchoscopy offers a less invasive option for examining suspicious lung nodules.

Benefits include:

• Minimally Invasive: May reduce the need for more invasive procedures in some cases
• Improved access: Can reach small or difficult-to-reach lung nodules.
• Earlier Detection: Helps doctors collect tissue samples sooner, which may lead to an earlier diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Faster Care: Can help speed up the diagnosis process and provide answers more quickly.

What Happens During the Procedure?

If your doctor recommends robotic bronchoscopy:

• A thin catheter is guided through your airway to the lung nodule.
• The catheter travels deep into the lungs, even to hard-to-reach areas.
• Once the target is reached, the doctor collects a small tissue sample.
• The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing.

Greater Peace of Mind

Instead of waiting and monitoring a suspicious lung nodule over time, robotic bronchoscopy may help doctors get answers sooner. This can help patients and their families make informed decisions about the next steps in car

Talk With Your Doctor

If you have a lung nodule or another lung concern, ask your doctor whether robotic bronchoscopy may be a good option for you.