Automated robotic needle biopsies guided by CT imaging
Official title: Automated Planning and Robotic Delivery of Needle Biopsies under CT Image Guidance
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11168943 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new robotic system that helps doctors take lung cancer biopsies more safely and accurately by using CT scans to guide the needle, making the process easier for patients and reducing the chance of complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | June 16, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $626,522 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278703-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11168943 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for lung cancer who require a biopsy for definitive diagnosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require a lung biopsy or those with conditions that contraindicate biopsy procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the process of needle biopsies for lung cancer diagnosis by using an autonomous robotic system guided by CT imaging. The approach aims to enhance patient safety and accuracy by minimizing human error during the procedure, which traditionally involves multiple manual adjustments. The robotic system is designed to operate within the CT scanner, allowing for precise targeting of lung lesions while reducing the risk of complications such as pneumothorax and bleeding. By utilizing artificial intelligence, the system plans the optimal path for needle placement, ensuring a more efficient and safer biopsy process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more accurate lung cancer diagnoses, potentially improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using robotic systems for surgical procedures, indicating potential success for this novel approach in biopsy procedures.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yip, Michael — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Yip, Michael
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.