First Robotic Bronchoscopy Procedure Completed in Asia

The first use of a robotic system for a bronchoscopy procedure in Asia has been completed at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong.

The procedure used the Galaxy System, designed by Noah Medical, to automate the process of identifying and biopsying lung nodules. 

The successful surgery marks the beginning of the first clinical trial of Noah Medical’s robotic bronchoscopy system in Asia.

“We are excited to be the first site in Asia to trial this exciting new technology,” said Calvin Ng, one of the surgeons to participate in the procedure. “The Galaxy System is the latest generation in robotic bronchoscopy and we are very much looking forward to seeing this being used in Hong Kong and eventually the broader Asia region.”

The Galaxy system was designed in collaboration with physicians, Features include a proprietary integrated tomosynthesis (TiLT Technology) with augmented fluoroscopy, a disposable single-use bronchoscope and a small, compact footprint that allows for “easy integration into most bronchoscopy suites.”

According to Noah Medical, the device demonstrated a 100% successful navigation to lesion, 100% diagnostic yield and 95% tool-in-lesion accuracy in a preclinical trial, as well as 100% tool-in-lesion accuracy and 90-95% diagnostic yield in a human trial.

Related:Surgeons Complete First Bronchoscopy Using Robotic Navigation System in the US

The first patients for the ongoing Hong Kong trial have been enrolled, with the trial established to demonstrate the efficacy of the system’s TiLT Technology, accuracy and overall diagnostic yield.

“Congratulations to Dr. Ng, Dr. Lau and the team at Prince of Wales Hospital for their continued efforts in bringing advanced robotic lung technologies to Asia,” said Jian Zhang, Noah Medical’s CEO. “We are excited to explore the opportunity of early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer globally, which will benefit billions of patients. 

“Our mission, in concert with pioneers like Dr. Ng and Dr. Lau, is to help physicians diagnose and treat lung cancer more accurately and efficiently than ever before.”

The Galaxy System completed its first bronchoscopy in the U.S. in May, after receiving FDA clearance in March.