Robotic Brachytherapy Techniques For Lung Cancer

Expanded indications for the application of brachytherapy in patients with early stage lung cancer require improved methods of localized resection and tailored delivery of implantable radiation therapy. Surgical robotics offers enhanced visualization and facilitated intracorporeal dexterity over tradition- al video-assisted thoracoscopic instruments. We hypothesized that robotic seed placement when performed in conjunction with a minimally invasive resection might allow for localized treatment with the potential for more accurate and therefore higher directed dosing to potentially limit excessive collateral damage to healthy tissue.