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Robotic-Assisted Versus Conventional Bronchoscopy for Cryobiopsy in the Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease
Sponsor: University of Zurich
Summary
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) often requires histopathological confirmation when high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings are inconclusive. Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy has emerged as a less invasive alternative to surgical lung biopsy, but diagnostic yield remains variable and dependent on biopsy location and procedural precision. Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) combined with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) may allow more precise navigation to target lung segments and potentially improve biopsy quality and diagnostic yield. This multi-center, investigator-initiated randomized controlled trial will compare conventional bronchoscopy with 2D fluoroscopy guidance versus robotic-assisted bronchoscopy with CBCT guidance for transbronchial lung cryobiopsy in patients undergoing diagnostic evaluation for suspected interstitial lung disease. Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo either conventional bronchoscopy or robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. In both groups, four cryobiopsies will be obtained from two lung lobes using a 1.7 mm cryoprobe (en-bloc removal for both study arms). The primary endpoint is the rate of definitive histological diagnosis as determined by a blinded multidisciplinary ILD board.
Official title: Robotic-Assisted Versus Conventional Bronchoscopy for Cryobiopsy in the Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
Any - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2026-02-01
Completion Date
2027-09-01
Last Updated
2026-03-30
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy With Cone-Beam CT Guidance
Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy using a shape-sensing robotic platform with cone-beam CT confirmation of biopsy location. Four cryobiopsies will be obtained from two lung lobes using a 1.7 mm cryoprobe.
Conventional Bronchoscopy With Fluoroscopy Guidance
Flexible bronchoscopy with 2D fluoroscopy guidance. Four cryobiopsies will be obtained from two lung lobes using a 1.7 mm cryoprobe.
Locations (2)
Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne
Lucerne, Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland
University Hospital Zurich
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland