World's First Digital Intelligent One-Stop 5D Respiratory Interventional Operating Room Put into Use

Background

For years, patients with complex respiratory conditions such as difficult airway diseases, refractory hemoptysis, early lung cancer and pulmonary nodules have faced challenges in receiving coordinated care. Traditional approaches often involved what local reports describe as 'single soldier combat' by individual specialties and 'staged treatment' requiring multiple transfers between departments and rooms, which can increase risks and extend hospital stays for patients in fragile health.

To tackle these issues, a team from the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, led by Professor Guo Shuliang, proposed the 5D respiratory interventional diagnosis and treatment system. This concept was the first of its kind put forward internationally and has attracted attention and positive comments from experts in countries including Italy, the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom.

What was achieved

On October 22, 2025, the world's first digital intelligent one-stop 5D respiratory interventional operating room was put into use at the Jinshan campus of the hospital. A ceremony was held during which leaders and experts unveiled the plaque for the new facility. Vice President He Jianguo announced that the operating room had officially commenced operations.

The launch is reported to mark a new era for respiratory interventional diagnosis and treatment in China, characterized by precision visualization, intelligent decision-making and standardized operations. It is expected to greatly enhance the hospital's ability to diagnose and treat complex airway diseases, refractory hemoptysis, early lung cancer, pulmonary nodules and difficult interstitial lung diseases.

How it works

The core of the 5D system is the integration of four anatomical interventional pathways: via the airway, via pulmonary blood vessels, percutaneous transthoracic (through the skin of the chest), and transesophageal. These pathways are combined with deep collaboration between respiratory interventional medicine and thoracic surgery to form a three-dimensional, full-coverage network for minimally invasive treatment of lung diseases.

In the digital intelligent one-stop operating room, this is supported by artificial intelligence for medical big data management and intelligent image analysis, three-dimensional imaging navigation for precise positioning, and real-time dynamic monitoring. The setup allows a multidisciplinary team to perform combined procedures under one anesthesia without moving the patient. For example, if bleeding occurs during an intervention, the team can immediately switch to the optimal pathway to manage the complication on site. Digital intelligence is described as the 'core engine' that makes surgical planning more precise, operations safer and workflows more efficient. Features such as remote surgical guidance and real-time operation broadcasting are also integrated.

What it means for international patients

The operating room is located at the Jinshan campus, which is also home to the hospital's international (VIP) or foreign-related ward. The hospital has been included in the first batch of 'international medical service hospitals' designated by the Chongqing Municipal Health Commission. This ward is designed for foreign patients, compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and domestic patients with needs for international-level services.

The international services feature a professional team with overseas study or work experience and strong foreign language abilities, 24-hour bilingual (Chinese and English) consultation lines, assistance with appointments, English-language medical services, and cooperation with commercial insurance companies. International patients considering treatment in this new facility for respiratory conditions should directly contact the hospital to verify eligibility, current availability and suitability for their specific medical situation.

About the hospital

The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University is a large Class A tertiary comprehensive teaching hospital located in Chongqing, China. It is directly affiliated with Chongqing Medical University and traces its origins to 1957 when experts were relocated from Shanghai First Medical College to establish medical services in the region. The hospital operates multiple campuses, with the new operating room situated at the Jinshan campus.

It is recognized for its strengths in various clinical areas, including respiratory and critical care medicine, and has been involved in national key clinical specialty constructions. The hospital maintains extensive international cooperation, having partnerships with institutions in countries such as France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States. It has established dedicated international medical services to support patients from abroad.