Search
What are you looking for?
Start main content

Press Releases

Press Releases

https://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk/press-releases/cuhk-performs-the-first-hybrid-operating-room-robotic-assisted-bronchoscopy-procedure-outside-the-us
https://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk/press-releases/cuhk-performs-the-first-hybrid-operating-room-robotic-assisted-bronchoscopy-procedure-outside-the-us

CUHK performs the first hybrid operating room robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedure outside the US

Diagnosing small and peripheral pulmonary lesions that can be early manifestations of lung cancer remains a challenge. The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s (CUHK) Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) has become the first institution outside the US to perform the hybrid operating room robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedure, with 18 successful cases since December 2021. This novel procedure allows physicians to accurately access tiny and hard-to-reach lung nodules, enabling biopsy for early diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases. It is now in clinical trial, with a target of enrolling up to 1,200 patients worldwide.

 

research team

CU Medicine has become the first institution outside the US to perform the hybrid operating room robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedure. This novel procedure allows physicians to accurately access tiny and hard-to-reach lung nodules, enabling biopsy for early diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases. Professor Calvin NG (4th from the right) and Dr. Rainbow LAU (6th from the left)from the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery at CU Medicine with research team.

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy improves accuracy in locating lung tumours and greatly enhances stability of the procedure  

 

Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in Hong Kong, according to the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, with more than 4,000 people dying of the disease in 2019.

 

With growing awareness and use of medical imaging, increasing numbers of small lung nodules are often found deep within the lungs, where they are difficult to reach. Biopsy to obtain tissue from these nodules for early diagnosis of lung cancer remains a challenge. The method of biopsy used often depends on the size and position of the lesion. Conventional bronchoscopy usually can only reach the more central parts of the lung while electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy can go further into the peripheral or even the most distal areas with very fine, flexible catheters and tools. The latest robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform offers additional advantages over previous bronchoscopy systems.

 

robotic-assisted bronchoscopy

The novel robotic-assisted bronchoscopy uses real-time optical imaging and electromagnetic positioning to enable the operator to navigate the complex human airways.

Dr. Rainbow Wing Hung LAU, Clinical Assistant Professor (honorary), Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery at CU Medicine, explained, “Bronchoscopy is a form of endoscopic procedure, usually performed by doctors specialising in lung disorders. Conventional diagnostic options available for lung cancer have limitations in accuracy, safety or invasiveness. These limitations can lead to false negatives, and complications such as pneumothorax and haemorrhage. The novel robotic-assisted bronchoscopy uses real-time optical imaging and electromagnetic positioning to enable the operator to navigate the complex human airways. The procedure is performed using a remote console that is linked with the robotic arms and bronchoscope to accurately drive the device to the desired location within the lung. The advanced robotic mechanism within the bronchoscope also maintains stability while tools are deployed for biopsy, improving accuracy of lesion localisation and diagnostic yield.” 

CU Medicine is a pioneer in thoracic surgical treatments in the Asia-Pacific region

 

doctor operating the device

The procedure is performed using a remote console that is linked with the robotic arms and bronchoscope to accurately drive the device to the desired location within the lung. The advanced robotic mechanism within the bronchoscope also maintains stability while tools are deployed for biopsy, improving accuracy of lesion localisation and diagnostic yield.

The thoracic surgical team at CU Medicine has been pioneering advanced minimally invasive techniques using the latest technologies, including single port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for major lung resection, image-guided surgery in the Hybrid Operating Room, and transbronchial microwave ablation for treatment of lung tumours.

 

Professor Calvin Sze Hang NG, Professor from the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery at CU Medicine remarked, “We are very excited to have performed the first hybrid operating room robotic-assisted bronchoscopy in the Asia-Pacific region. The technology has been utilised in the US since 2018 with excellent outcomes. In the 18 cases performed thus far by our team, we have been able to successfully reach all the lung lesions for biopsy or for dye marking lung resection.”

screening image

The real-time optical imaging and electromagnetic positioning enables doctors to preview the location of the lesion. If green colour is on, meaning it’s in the safe zone to deploy the biopsy tool.

“We now have a tool to accurately access tiny and hard-to-reach lung nodules with greater precision than ever before. The improved diagnostic yield from novel robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platforms such as this compared with conventional bronchoscopy will allow earlier cancer diagnosis and fewer repeat procedures, potentially saving costs, and ultimately providing a better patient experience and clinical outcome,” he added.

 

More Press Releases

CUHK performs world’s first robotic-assisted bronchoscopic  microwave ablation of lung metastases

CUHK performs world’s first robotic-assisted bronchoscopic microwave ablation of lung metastases

Surgical advancement
CUHK Successfully Conducts Asia-Pacific’s First Hybrid Operating Room Non-invasive Bronchoscopic Microwave Ablation to Treat Lung Cancer

CUHK Successfully Conducts Asia-Pacific’s First Hybrid Operating Room Non-invasive Bronchoscopic Microwave Ablation to Treat Lung Cancer

Surgical advancement
CUHK Pioneers Early Lung Cancer Treatment with Hybrid Operating Room Image Guided Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy

CUHK Pioneers Early Lung Cancer Treatment with Hybrid Operating Room Image Guided Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy

Surgical advancement
CUHK discovers a blood regulator linked to tumour microenvironment formation,  sparking a new therapeutic target for lung cancer

CUHK discovers a blood regulator linked to tumour microenvironment formation, sparking a new therapeutic target for lung cancer

Research
International lung cancer study involving CU Medicine shows that a targeted therapy doubles the progression-free survival of advanced cancer patients, compared to standard treatment

International lung cancer study involving CU Medicine shows that a targeted therapy doubles the progression-free survival of advanced cancer patients, compared to standard treatment

Research
 CU Medicine uncovers the key for immune suppression in lung cancer Translating blood’s hidden gem “Neutrophil” into a new generation anti-cancer therapy

CU Medicine uncovers the key for immune suppression in lung cancer Translating blood’s hidden gem “Neutrophil” into a new generation anti-cancer therapy

Research
International lung cancer study involving CU Medicine reveals that combination of immune drugs and chemotherapy represents new treatment regime for metastatic NSCLC patients

International lung cancer study involving CU Medicine reveals that combination of immune drugs and chemotherapy represents new treatment regime for metastatic NSCLC patients

Research
CUHK co-leads global lung cancer study  Supporting lorlatinib as first-line treatment option for ALK-positive advanced NSCLC patients

CUHK co-leads global lung cancer study Supporting lorlatinib as first-line treatment option for ALK-positive advanced NSCLC patients

Research
CU Medicine collaborates with South Korean institutes to develop  an AI-powered analytic tool for lung cancer immunotherapy

CU Medicine collaborates with South Korean institutes to develop an AI-powered analytic tool for lung cancer immunotherapy

Research
CU Medicine finds Eastern Asia’s lung cancer incidence and mortality highest in the world

CU Medicine finds Eastern Asia’s lung cancer incidence and mortality highest in the world

Research
Professor Tony Mok Recognised as a Giant of Cancer Care  for His Remarkable Contribution in Advancing Global Healthcare in Lung Cancer

Professor Tony Mok Recognised as a Giant of Cancer Care for His Remarkable Contribution in Advancing Global Healthcare in Lung Cancer

Awards and honors
Professor Tony MOK Honoured with the ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award Recognising His Global Leadership in Defining Lung Cancer Treatment Standard

Professor Tony MOK Honoured with the ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award Recognising His Global Leadership in Defining Lung Cancer Treatment Standard

Awards and honors
CUHK-led Global Study Sees Improvement in Overall Survival in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer

CUHK-led Global Study Sees Improvement in Overall Survival in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer

Research
CUHK Research Receives Recognitions by Top Medical Journals

CUHK Research Receives Recognitions by Top Medical Journals

Awards and honors
CUHK-led Research Confirms Novel Targeted Therapy Doubles the Effectiveness of Current Standard Treatment for ALK-Positive Lung Cancer

CUHK-led Research Confirms Novel Targeted Therapy Doubles the Effectiveness of Current Standard Treatment for ALK-Positive Lung Cancer

Research
CUHK Leads a Multinational Study that Finds New Treatment Paradigm of Mutated Lung Cancer

CUHK Leads a Multinational Study that Finds New Treatment Paradigm of Mutated Lung Cancer

Research
CUHK Joint Research Sets a New Global Direction for Lung Cancer Treatment Molecular Targeted Therapy Proved more Effective in Treating Patients with ALK-Positive Lung Cancer

CUHK Joint Research Sets a New Global Direction for Lung Cancer Treatment Molecular Targeted Therapy Proved more Effective in Treating Patients with ALK-Positive Lung Cancer

Research
Inaugural Lecture of Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation Professorship in Clinical Oncology by Prof. Tony Mok 'Declaration of War Against Lung Cancer'

Inaugural Lecture of Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation Professorship in Clinical Oncology by Prof. Tony Mok 'Declaration of War Against Lung Cancer'

Symposium

Our Expert List

Many experts under the Faculty of Medicine are available for media interview.
Please click here for the expert list or contact us.