A novel distal-flexible endoscope offers improved maneuverability, benefiting surgeons performing complex procedures.

• The prototype reduced operative time by 18% in simulated tasks (5.8 vs. 4.6 min, p=0.042) and by 21% in vivo (40.2 vs. 51.0 min, p=0.046).
• Fewer endoscope repositionings were needed—4.8 vs. 12.8 (p=0.004).

This system’s intuitive design reduces surgeon workload while ensuring patient safety and visualization of key thoracic structures.