Actively Recruiting
Robotic-Assisted Versus Conventional Bronchoscopy for Cryobiopsy in Diagnosing Interstitial Lung Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by University of Zurich · Updated on 2026-03-30
30
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
30 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Zurich
Lead Sponsor
C
Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne, Switzerland
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of lung conditions often needing tissue samples for diagnosis when imaging results are unclear. This study compares two methods for obtaining lung biopsies: traditional bronchoscopy guided by 2D fluoroscopy versus robotic-assisted bronchoscopy combined with cone-beam CT (CBCT) guidance. The goal is to see if the robotic method improves the accuracy of diagnosis by better targeting lung areas for biopsy. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will undergo robotic-assisted bronchoscopy using a robotic platform with CBCT to confirm biopsy locations, while the other will have conventional bronchoscopy with fluoroscopy guidance. Both groups will have four cryobiopsies taken from two different lung lobes using a 1.7 mm cryoprobe. Samples will be reviewed by a blinded multidisciplinary team to determine diagnostic accuracy. During the study, participants will undergo the assigned biopsy procedure followed by evaluation of the tissue samples. Researchers will assess the rate of definitive histological diagnosis as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include biopsy size, tissue composition, and safety within 24 hours after the procedure. The study is sponsored by the University of Zurich and plans to enroll adult patients suspected of having ILD who require biopsy confirmation.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Robotic-Assisted Versus Conventional Bronchoscopy for Cryobiopsy in the Diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years or older
- Clinical suspicion of interstitial lung disease requiring histological confirmation
- Non-diagnostic HRCT pattern such as probable UIP or indeterminate pattern
- Candidate for transbronchial lung cryobiopsy
- Ability to provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Definite UIP pattern on HRCT
- Severe pulmonary hypertension
- Severe hypoxemia contraindicating bronchoscopy
- Coagulopathy or contraindication to biopsy
- Pregnancy
- Inability to provide informed consent
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Day of procedure
Participants undergo either robotic-assisted bronchoscopy with cone-beam CT guidance or conventional bronchoscopy with fluoroscopy guidance to obtain lung biopsies for diagnosis.
1 procedure visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 24 hours post procedure
Participants are monitored for safety and any complications up to 24 hours after the biopsy procedure.
1 follow-up visit (in-person) within 24 hours
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Cantonal Hospital of Lucerne
Lucerne, Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland, 6000
Actively Recruiting
2
University Hospital Zurich
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, 8091
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Thomas Gaisl, MD MPH PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here