5G-Based Remote Virtual Bronchoscopic Navigation-Guided Transbronchial Lung Biopsy for Diagnosis of Lung Cancer: Description of 2 Cases

作者：Huang, Junfeng; Lin, Jinsheng; Chen, Chongxiang; Liang, Weiquan; Chen, Yumei; Li, Hongjia; Zhong, Changhao^*; Li, Shiyue^*

来源：RESPIRATION, 2023, 102(10): 912-917.

DOI：10.1159/000533867

• 5G network
• Lung cancer
• Remote bronchoscopic navigation
• Diagnosis

Introduction: Bronchoscopic navigation combined with endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy (EBUS-TBLB) is an important approach for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL). The fifth-generation (5G) network, characterized by low latency and high stability, has shown promising possibilities in telemedicine for remote areas. Methods: We present two cases of PPL in primary hospitals without navigation equipment. The EBUS-TBLB was performed with the guidance of remote augmented reality virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) based on a 5G network. In practice, the 5G network could enable the matching of actual/virtual bronchoscopic images and navigation paths in real time, as well as high-speed transmission at long distances (>20 km), without any visual delay (<500 ms). Conclusion: Both patients were successfully diagnosed with lung cancer after accurate positioning and obtaining biopsies of target lesions. This 5G-based remote VBN-guided EBUS-TBLB appears to be safe with reliable connections in both cases and shows potential for cost-effectiveness. It would be an optimal resource for undeveloped regions and/or regions lacking endoscopists with extensive experience in navigation-related procedures.

• 单位
  南方医科大学; 6; 1; 广州医学院