Audra Schwalk
Papers
4
Total Citations
102
H-Index
3
About
Audra Schwalk is a leading interventional pulmonologist whose research is transforming the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions. Her work centers on the integration of shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) with advanced multimodality imaging, including radial endobronchial ultrasound (r-EBUS) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Her landmark 2022 study, cited 63 times, established the safety and diagnostic power of this combined approach, demonstrating how real-time image fusion can significantly improve biopsy accuracy for small and hard-to-reach nodules. Schwalk has also been instrumental in characterizing the practical aspects of this technology. Her work on procedural radiation doses (30 citations) provides crucial safety benchmarks for clinicians, while her analysis of procedural times (8 citations) offers essential data for optimizing clinical workflow and scheduling in high-volume centers. Most recently, she has pioneered the use of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy in high-risk populations, including patients with pulmonary hypertension on vasodilator therapy, showing that these procedures can be performed safely. Through her rigorous, patient-centered research, Schwalk is not only advancing the technical frontier of bronchoscopy but also providing the evidence base needed to make these powerful tools a standard of care.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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