Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Thomas R. Gildea is a prominent pulmonologist and interventional bronchoscopist whose research has significantly advanced the diagnosis and management of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). His work sits at the cutting edge of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, a rapidly evolving field addressing one of pulmonary medicine's most persistent clinical challenges: improving diagnostic yield for small, difficult-to-reach lung nodules. Gildea has been instrumental in evaluating robotic bronchoscopic platforms through rigorous preclinical and clinical investigations. His landmark 2020 study on robotic bronchoscopy for PPLs has garnered 244 citations, reflecting its foundational influence on the field. Earlier cadaveric model studies, including the ACCESS Study (57 citations) and the REACH assessment (19 citations), systematically validated the accuracy and feasibility of these platforms before widespread clinical adoption. His work on multidimensional precision further refined approaches to bronchoscopic sampling of small nodules, integrating electromagnetic navigation and advanced imaging tools. Beyond robotics, Gildea has contributed to understanding biopsy tool selection, rapid on-site evaluation, and the historical evolution of rigid bronchoscopy. Across multiple prospective, multicenter trials, his research has shaped evidence-based protocols that directly influence how clinicians approach lung nodule evaluation worldwide.