[A Novel Robotic Bronchoscopic Surgical System]

Area of Science:

• Robotic Surgery
• Medical Imaging
• Pulmonology

Context:

• Transbronchial biopsy offers less trauma and faster recovery than percutaneous aspiration biopsy.
• Automating transbronchial biopsy requires integrating electromagnetic navigation with flexible endoscopy.
• Current procedures can be invasive, requiring significant surgeon expertise and potentially leading to complications.

Purpose:

• To develop and evaluate a robotic surgical system for automated transbronchial biopsy.
• To enhance the precision, efficiency, and safety of lung biopsy procedures.
• To reduce the invasiveness and improve patient recovery associated with lung biopsies.

Summary:

• A novel robotic surgical system combines a flexible endoscope, electromagnetic navigation, and dexterous manipulators for automated lung biopsy.
• The system features 3D lung bronchial model reconstruction, automatic path planning, real-time navigation, and visual biopsy capabilities.
• An elasticity compensation algorithm improves catheter positioning accuracy and operational efficiency during endoscopic procedures.

Impact:

• Clinical trials demonstrate high positioning accuracy, intuitive operation, and improved biopsy efficiency.
• The robotic system reduces surgical burden, shortens learning curves, and lowers radiation exposure and infection rates.
• This technology has the potential to significantly advance minimally invasive lung diagnostic procedures.