Innovations in Bronchoscopy: Robotic-assisted Bronchoscopy

Abstract

Low-dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer has led to the increased detection of peripheral pulmonary nodules (PPN). Bronchoscopic modalities of PPN biopsy (ultrathin bronchoscope, radial endobronchial ultrasound, electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy) have not consistently shown diagnostic yields as high as ultrasound- or computed tomography-guided transthoracic needle aspiration or surgical lung biopsy. Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy gained US Food and Drug Administration approval in 2018 and 2019, and preliminary data have shown an improvement in the ability to navigate to PPN, obtain a diagnosis and evaluate tissue for molecular markers, all while maintaining a safety profile similar to that of traditional bronchoscopic methods. In this article, we aim to briefly summarize the data available on this novel technology and its potential for future applications.