Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy Platform a Game Changer in Lung Cancer Detection and Biopsy Technology

Intuitive Surgical’s (Silicon Valley, CA, USA) Ion is a robotic-assisted endoluminal platform for minimally invasive peripheral lung nodule biopsy. Using Ion’s fully articulating catheter, physicians can identify a target, plan a path to the pulmonary nodule, and navigate far into the periphery of the lung for biopsy. Ion’s ultrathin, ultramaneuverable catheter allows physicians to reach small lesions in all 18 segments of the lung while its unprecedented stability enables the precision needed for biopsy.

Intuitive Surgical has enhanced Ion’s biopsy workflow by integrating Ion and Siemens Healthineers’ Cios Spin mobile imaging system. With this connection, a 3D scan is performed by Cios Spin and automatically sent to the Ion system. From the Ion console touchscreen, the physicians can now refine navigation and verify tool-in-lesion. The integration offers guidance when managing differences in nodule locations seen on preprocedure CT images and intraprocedural imaging.

Ion brings an immersive bronchoscopy experience that begins with planning, moves through procedures, and powers a virtuous cycle of improvement. Ion’s distinct combination of tools and technologies help visualize each patient’s lung anatomy to support biopsy. With Ion, physicians can reach small lesions in the far reaches of the lung. Distal tip articulation allows clinicians to aim the catheter at small targets, even when located outside the airway. Results from early studies have demonstrated relatively low occurrence of pneumothorax requiring intervention. For physicians, Ion provides more reach, more stability, and more precision. This in turn can help them give patients something to hope for - potentially earlier diagnosis.

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