Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Nicholas J. Pastis is a pulmonologist and interventional bronchoscopist whose research has significantly advanced the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) — one of the most challenging problems in modern pulmonary medicine. His work has centered on robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, an emerging technology designed to overcome the longstanding limitations of conventional guided bronchoscopic techniques, which have historically struggled to achieve consistently high diagnostic yields for hard-to-reach lung nodules. Pastis has been a pioneering clinical investigator in this field, contributing foundational studies that established both the feasibility and accuracy of robotic bronchoscopic platforms. His landmark 2020 paper on robotic bronchoscopy for PPLs has accumulated 244 citations, reflecting its substantial influence on clinical practice and research direction. Earlier cadaveric and simulation-based studies, including the ACCESS Study, helped validate targeting accuracy before widespread clinical adoption. His most recent work explores how cone beam CT imaging can further refine real-time positioning during robotic procedures, pushing the boundaries of precision diagnostics. Through a consistent and evolving body of research, Pastis has helped shape the evidence base for robotic bronchoscopy, making him a key figure for students and researchers interested in minimally invasive pulmonary diagnostics and lung nodule evaluation.