Robotic Bronchoscopy

Robotic Bronchoscopy Could Enable Earlier and More Accurate Diagnosis of Lung Nodules

What is Robotic Bronchoscopy?

Robotic Bronchoscopy is an innovation that holds promise to fight lung cancer at Guthrie. Used to view the inside of your lungs and obtain a tissue sample for biopsy, the goal is to enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis of small and hard-to-reach nodules in the outer limits, or edge, of your lung.

The Auris Health Monarch Platform technology uses the latest advancements in robotics, software, data science and endoscopy (the use of small cameras and tools to enter the body through its natural openings). Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital is among the first hospitals in the United States to utilize the platform, which was recently cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Who is a Candidate?

Abnormal growths in the lung are common and are rarely cancerous, however more than 90 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer do not survive the disease, in part because it is often found at an advanced stage. The earlier a lung nodule can be tested, the better, to give the best chance for a positive outcome if cancer is found. Lung nodules form for a variety of reasons, and many times they’re benign (non-cancerous) masses. They can vary in shape and size, however the best way to determine if a nodule is malignant (cancerous), is to send a tissue sample for testing.

If you have a lung nodule, it’s important to discuss this with your pulmonologist to decide next steps in your care, which could mean having a biopsy performed through robotic bronchoscopy.

How Does the Procedure Work?

When using the new Monarch Platform technology, your provider can navigate through your lung passages, using a controller-like device, telling the flexible robotic endoscope where to go in your lung with improved reach, vision and control. Combining traditional endoscopic views into the lung with computer-assisted navigation, based on 3-D models of your own lung anatomy, the Monarch Platform offers your provider continuous bronchoscope vision throughout the entire procedure.