New Robotic Bronchoscopy Software Enables Flexible Imaging for Complex Lung Biopsies

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and early diagnosis often depends on accurately sampling small peripheral pulmonary lesions. Conventional bronchoscopy can be affected by anatomic shifts between preoperative imaging and the procedure, as well as biopsy tool drift. Intra-procedural imaging can also expose patients and staff to radiation. A new software release for a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system now enables dual-mode imaging and real-time confirmation to address these challenges.

Noah Medical has commercially launched Galaxy II software, the next evolution of its robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) platform. The software is designed to give physicians greater imaging flexibility and procedural control for complex cases. The update advances the platform’s capabilities across navigation, imaging, and confirmation within a single system.

At the core of Galaxy II is Dual‑Mode Imaging, which allows seamless switching between High‑Definition Digital Tomosynthesis (HD‑DT) and Cone‑Beam CT (CBCT) at any point during a procedure. HD‑DT is intended to handle the majority of cases with speed and a lower radiation profile, while CBCT can be invoked when additional detail is required. The software also introduces Lesion Focus to minimize imaging artifacts and provide a clearer view of target lesions.

The platform is highlighted as addressing two persistent barriers to accurate peripheral sampling: CT‑to‑Body Divergence, when preoperative CT no longer matches the intra‑procedural anatomy, and Tool‑Tissue Divergence, when a biopsy tool drifts from its intended path despite appropriate catheter position. Galaxy II delivers more responsive, predictable control with improved reach, flexibility, and stability to navigate challenging airways. Imaging choice is designed to streamline workflow and minimize case time.

Based on published literature, HD‑DT provides effective imaging for most cases at up to 10 times lower radiation dose than CBCT. The update is presented as expanding system capability without adding radiation, complexity, or capital burden. Prior studies of the Galaxy System reported strong diagnostic performance: the multicenter MATCH II study found a 96.7% diagnostic yield with real‑time lesion localization, and a Cleveland Clinic evaluation of 100 consecutive patients reported a 90% diagnostic yield in routine practice.

“Galaxy II software puts physicians in control of their imaging strategy for every procedure. By bringing HD-DT, CBCT, and advanced robotic control together in one platform using the Galaxy II software, we let physicians choose what each case requires, enabling them to adapt to each patient’s anatomy and reduce radiation exposure while maximizing procedural efficiency,” said Jian Zhang, founder and CEO of Noah Medical.

“The Galaxy System’s unique ability to correct for tool-tissue divergence in real time drives its high diagnostic yield, giving physicians confidence that their biopsy tool is exactly where they intend it. Galaxy II software builds on that foundation, enhancing navigation, imaging, and confirmation in a single platform. It puts the choice of imaging modality in the physician’s hands, so procedures run more efficiently while also cutting the radiation burden on patients and clinicians,” said Dr. Francisco Almeida, onterventional pulmonologist at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta.

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