Research published in Respiratory Medicine indicates that real-time imaging guidance during robotic bronchoscopy achieves high diagnostic yield for lung nodules.


RT’s Three Key Takeaways:

  1. High Diagnostic Yield: The MATCH 2 study reported a 96.7% overall diagnostic yield for peripheral lung nodules when using robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) with integrated imaging.
  2. Real-Time Precision: Digital tomosynthesis (DT) and augmented fluoroscopy (AF) provided 96.7% tool-in-lesion confirmation, matching the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) verification.
  3. Earlier Detection: Researchers suggest that combining robotic navigation with embedded imaging technologies can improve diagnostic confidence for earlier lung cancer detection.


Noah Medical announced the publication of the MATCH 2 study in the journal Respiratory Medicine, which demonstrates the accuracy of three-dimensional targeting during robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) procedures, according to the company.

The study evaluated the performance of RAB using embedded imaging technologies, including digital tomosynthesis (DT) and augmented fluoroscopy (AF), to achieve tool-in-lesion (TIL) status. The accuracy of these tools was confirmed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), which provides three-dimensional volumetric lung imaging during procedures. According to the news release, all procedures in the study were performed using the Galaxy System.

“The MATCH 2 study demonstrates that when you lead by real-time imaging confirmation with robotic navigation, you get a new level of precision that fundamentally changes what was possible for clinicians and their patients,” said Jian Zhang, chief executive officer of Noah Medical, in a news release. “This is exactly the kind of evidence that will define the standard of care going forward.”

The study involved 31 patients with peripheral pulmonary nodules. According to the data, key findings included:

  • 96.7% overall diagnostic yield under a strict definition.
  • 96.7% tool-in-lesion confirmation using DT.
  • 96.7% concordance between DT with AF, and CBCT confirmation.

Peripheral lung nodules are increasingly detected through screening programs and incidental imaging, yet obtaining a definitive diagnosis remains difficult. Traditional bronchoscopic approaches can struggle with navigation and confirmation, particularly for small or hard-to-reach lesions, according to the news release.

“Our findings demonstrate that combining robotic navigation with embedded imaging tomosynthesis (DT) can achieve precise three-dimensional targeting of peripheral lung lesions,” said Amit Mahajan, medical director at Inova Health System’s Interventional Pulmonology and Complex Airway Disease Program, in a news release. “Reliable confirmation of lesion location is critical to improving diagnostic confidence and diagnosing lung cancer at earlier stages. Early diagnosis of lung cancer is our best chance for cure.”