UChicago Medicine is said to be the first US hospital to use new robotic technology for bronchoscopies. Credit: The University of Chicago Medical Centre.

The University of Chicago Medicine (UChicago Medicine) in the US has deployed Noah Medical’s Galaxy robot system to perform bronchoscopies to enhance the early identification of lung cancer.

The first four cases have been successfully performed at the UChicago Medicine hospital using the new robotic technology.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

During a bronchoscopy, a patient is placed under anaesthesia while a long tube with a small camera (scope) is guided through the mouth.

A handheld device, resembling a video game controller, is used by the physician to guide the scope through the lungs.

According to UChicago Medicine pulmonologist Dr Kyle Hogarth, the robot allows the scope to reach potentially cancerous lung nodules and lesions in difficult -to-reach places with significantly enhanced precision and accuracy compared to the current, first-generation robotic scopes.

Hogarth further said: “Even with the first-generation robotic scopes, bronchoscopists might miss a nodule. Now I know exactly where to put that biopsy needle and I get confirmation from the system that the needle is in the right place.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

“This will be helpful to anyone with an abnormal CT scan to determine what’s wrong and what we can do next. If a biopsy is needed, we’ll make sure it’s done correctly.”

In March this year, Noah Medical secured approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Galaxy system.

The system is designed to offer bronchoscopic visualisation of and access to patient airways to conduct diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Galaxy robot is integrated with an X-ray-enhanced nodule-targeting system.

The device deploys a disposable, single-use, bronchoscope to reduce the risk of infection or disease transmission.

Medical Device Network Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Medical Device Network Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact

Excellence in Action
Awarded for Innovation in Remote Hearing Diagnostics , hearX’s Self Test Kit (STK) delivers clinically validated audiometry via smart devices, enabling remote, scalable hearing assessments in homes, clinics and retail. Learn how hearX is redefining hearing care delivery and reducing costs for providers globally.

Discover the Impact