Good Sam Brings Cutting-Edge Robotic Bronchoscopy to Corvallis November 5, 2025 A powerful new tool in the fight against lung disease went into service at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center at the beginning of November. The Galaxy System, a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform developed by Noah Medical, is a disposable bronchoscope with a 4-millimeter outer diameter that allows interventional pulmonologists to reach the periphery of the lung. Bronchoscopy is a procedure that lets pulmonologists access the airways to collect tissue samples. It’s often used to detect lung cancer and other serious conditions. “This technology is a game-changer in our ability to provide earlier diagnosis and more personalized care for our patients,” said Michelle Mitchell, director of Perioperative Services at Good Sam. “The Galaxy System allows us to reach areas of the lung that were previously difficult to access, improving both diagnostic yield and patient outcomes.” Traditional bronchoscopes could only reach 20% to 30% of the airways in the lungs due to size constraints. Galaxy’s robotic bronchoscopy can reach more than 90% due to the ability of the robot-controlled tentacles to reach the secondary and tertiary segments off the two main bronchi tubes. This new technology enables reaching small or deep parts of the lungs, improving clarity of biopsy results and diagnosis. “The introduction of this technology underscores our hospital’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care,” Mitchell said. “By integrating robotic precision with advanced imaging and navigation capabilities, this platform enhances safety, accuracy and comfort — paving the way for a new era in minimally invasive pulmonary procedures.” Samaritan Interventional Pulmonologist Shalini Mehta, MD, said she is excited to have the opportunity to use the image-integrated system, which is the first to be rolled out in Oregon. “With prior systems, our diagnostic yield lagged due to the dynamic nature of the lungs and because of our inability to compensate for image-to-body divergence,” said Dr. Mehta, who previously used other robotic platforms to sample difficult to reach peripheral lung nodules. “This system allows us to have the confidence that the tool being utilized is within the lesion being sampled. This system allows us to pioneer the next generation in medical robotics while ensuring the patient’s safety and comfort.” The launch of this new device coincides with Lung Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. “Our goal is to continually bring the latest, most effective tools to our physicians and patients,” Mitchell said. “The Galaxy System represents our dedication to advancing technology that saves lives through earlier, more accurate diagnoses.” Learn more about the services provided by Samaritan Pulmonology – Corvallis.
