Feasibility and Safety of Remote Robotic Bronchoscopy System in Diagnosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions: a Multicenter, Randomized Controlled, proof-of Concept Trial

In the researchers' words

Robotic bronchoscopy represents the latest localization technology for peripheral pulmonary nodules, enabling precise and stable manipulation and potentially improving the diagnostic yield of peripheral lung pathologies. Its safety and feasibility have been validated in previous studies. Nonetheless, disparities in interventional equipment and technical expertise remain important contributors to regional variation in the diagnostic performance of peripheral lung lesion biopsy, particularly in remote or underdeveloped areas. The advancement of fifth-generation (5G) network technology has promoted the development of telemedicine by enabling remote operation, real-time communication, and multi-site collaboration. Integration of 5G communication with robotic bronchoscopy may therefore provide a new approach to extend advanced bronchoscopic expertise across geographically separated medical centers. This prospective, multicenter clinical study will include 20 patients with peripheral pulmonary nodules or lesions requiring bronchoscopic localization and sampling. Ten patients will undergo 5G-assisted remote robotic bronchoscopy (remote group), and 10 patients will undergo conventional locally operated robotic bronchoscopy using the same robotic bronchoscopy platform (local group). The study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of remote robotic bronchoscopy and explore its…