[China Tech] Self-developed Robotic System Attracts Patients from Home and Abroad

China Tech is a column dedicated to the innovations reshaping China – and, inevitably, the world. From cutting-edge AI labs and next-gen robotics to homegrown apps that redefine daily life, we explore the breakthroughs that emerge from the country's relentless drive for technological dominance. Some are game-changers, others cautionary tales, but all offer a glimpse into the future as it's being built, at breakneck speed, in China.

Lung cancer is the most prevalent and deadly cancer in the world and in China. Medical specialists in Shanghai are working hard to integrate artificial intelligence and clinical medicine to boost the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

At Ruijin Hospital, specialists have collaborated with engineers to develop a navigation robotic system for the early detection of lung cancer and precise treatment.

It is one of the most advanced medical devices that can be introduced into the body through natural channels.

"The system can do positioning for more convenient and precise resection. It will also be used for quick treatment of lung cancer. The system allows doctors to do surgery more easily, and patients can enjoy quicker recovery. Unlike imported devices, we have greatly introduced AI in the system, so doctors can spend less time learning the system and operate it better," said Li Hecheng, director of Ruijin Hospital's thoracic surgery department.

The robotic system's positioning is accurate because it can help plan the route to the pulmonary nodules through an airway construction with high-resolution CT imaging before the surgery. So doctors can use the system's AI to automatically showcase the patient's entire airway and give the best route to avoid blood vessels.

In surgery, the robotic arm can guide the bronchoscope with the camera to go along with the route. During the process, doctors only need to operate the handle, which is like playing a video game, to control the movement of the bronchoscope and dye the nodules for accurate positioning under the guidance of the real-time navigation system.

Compared with traditional CT positioning, the robotic system has more precision and stability, while patients can be protected from extra radiation and puncturing.

The system has also been used in remote operation. This means patients needn't come all the way to Shanghai but receive treatment in their hometowns. The introduction of intelligent medicine is reforming medical treatment and Shanghai is actively taking part in the process, Li added.

At the recent Ruijin International Thoracic Surgery Forum, the hospital established an AI Agent International Robotic Digital Intelligence Innovation Institute & Training Center to focus on deep integration of clinical medicine, engineering and AI.

International patients and doctors

The high-end medical capability in Shanghai has attracted international attention, with both expatriate patients arriving for treatment and expat doctors coming for training.

Frenchman Alexandre Chieng hailed the medical capability of Ruijin staff.

"I was diagnosed with a tumor in the lung. It was something very serious and had to be taken care of as soon as possible. There were two options. One was going back to France, where my family, social security and my friends were. The second was to stay in Shanghai," said Chieng, who is a businessman in Shanghai.

"China was the best option. Going back to France meant (being out for) one or two months and I had a company to run. That was unacceptable. So I decided to receive treatment at Ruijin Hospital. The whole process took only 10 days, from medical checks to undergoing the operation."

He added, "I was extremely confident about the doctors here. You have the best person to take care of you and anesthetists are also very professional. Nurses are also very helpful; whenever I felt pain, they were there to serve me. Even the canteen was amazing. I mean, where can you find a hospital where you can eat hotpot. It's amazing!"

Dr Remi Buzzi, also from France, is receiving training at Ruijin's thoracic surgery department. He said he has come to learn different techniques and different ways to take care of patients, to share knowledge and listen to different opinions.

"There are some different ways to practice surgery and small technical approaches in Shanghai, so I can observe and learn from Shanghai doctors."