Archimedes LungPro Navigation System

The Archimedes/LungPro system represents Broncus Medical’s flagship navigation platform—the only technology globally that enables real-time augmented reality navigation to access any location within the lung through the bronchoscope. By fusing live bronchoscopic imaging with CT-derived virtual pathways, the system guides physicians to peripheral nodules that conventional bronchoscopy cannot reach.

Product Overview

Marketed as LungPro in China and Archimedes internationally, this navigation platform addresses a critical gap in lung cancer diagnosis. While peripheral lung nodules account for approximately 70% of detected lesions, traditional bronchoscopy can only access tumors adjacent to major airways. The Archimedes system overcomes this limitation through its proprietary Bronchoscopic Transparenchymal Nodule Access (BTPNA) technology, which creates direct pathways through lung tissue to reach lesions outside the airways.

The system differentiates from competing electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) platforms by providing real-time image fusion rather than pre-recorded virtual guidance, enabling physicians to verify instrument position against live fluoroscopy throughout the procedure.

Key Features

Archimedes/LungPro’s proprietary BTPNA technology enables bronchoscopic access to all 18 lung segments—including the far periphery—with real-time fluoroscopy fusion that competing electromagnetic navigation systems can’t match.

• Real-Time Augmented Reality: Overlays virtual navigation paths onto live fluoroscopic and bronchoscopic images, providing continuous visual confirmation of instrument position
• Whole Lung Access: Proprietary BTPNA technology enables access to lesions in any lung segment, including the far periphery where traditional bronchoscopy cannot reach
• Fused Imaging: Combines CT reconstruction, virtual bronchoscopy, and real-time fluoroscopy into a unified navigation display
• Procedure Planning Software: Pre-procedure planning module analyzes CT scans to identify optimal access routes and generate virtual pathway animations
• Modular Platform: Supports multiple diagnostic and therapeutic instruments including biopsy needles, ablation catheters, and fiducial markers

Technical Specifications

Archimedes/LungPro from Broncus Medical fuses live fluoroscopy with CT-derived virtual pathways across all 18 lung segments, approved by NMPA in 2023 and holding CE and FDA clearance.

Clinical Applications

The Archimedes/LungPro system enables several interventional pulmonology procedures:

Diagnostic Applications

• Peripheral lung nodule biopsy for indeterminate pulmonary nodules
• Mediastinal and hilar lymph node sampling for lung cancer staging
• Transbronchial biopsy of diffuse lung diseases

Therapeutic Applications

• Fiducial marker placement for stereotactic radiation therapy
• Guidance for transbronchial ablation procedures
• Localization for surgical resection planning

Clinical studies demonstrate diagnostic yields exceeding 70% for peripheral nodules, with the BTPNA approach enabling access to lesions that electromagnetic navigation alone cannot reach.

Regulatory Status

The domestically manufactured version of LungPro completed NMPA registration in 2023, following the import-registered products that have been marketed in China since the company’s founding. Manufacturing has been progressively transferred from the San Jose facility to domestic production in China.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Archimedes differ from electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy?

Electromagnetic navigation systems rely on pre-operative CT images and electromagnetic sensors to estimate catheter position, which can drift from actual location due to breathing motion or tissue deformation. Archimedes provides real-time fusion of live fluoroscopy with virtual navigation, allowing continuous verification of actual instrument position throughout the procedure.

What size nodules can Archimedes access?

The system can guide instruments to nodules regardless of size, with clinical studies including lesions as small as 10mm in diameter. The key advantage is access to peripheral locations rather than nodule size, as the BTPNA technology creates pathways through lung tissue to reach lesions anywhere in the lung.

Is specialized training required to use the system?

Yes, Broncus Medical provides full training programs including hands-on simulation sessions and proctored cases. The company maintains clinical support teams globally to assist with initial case series and ongoing technical support.