Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy
Innovative platform for lung cancer detection
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Screening and early treatment offer the best chance of survival. With the addition of Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy, a platform for minimally invasive peripheral lung biopsy, physicians can view deeper into the lungs and biopsy smaller, previously unreachable suspicious nodules in the peripheral tissue, allowing them to accurately diagnose if it's cancerous and begin treatment before the disease advances.
What Is a Bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where a doctor uses a thin, lighted tube, known as a bronchoscope, inserted through the nose or mouth to view the throat, windpipe, and lung airways to help diagnose and treat lung issues, including infections, blockages, tumors, or inflammation by taking tissue samples (biopsy).
What Is Ion Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy?
The Ion robotic system is integrated with McLaren’s advanced imaging capabilities to create a 3D model of the patient’s lung anatomy, assisting the physician’s navigation. Guided by the physician, the Ion’s thin and maneuverable catheter is directed to the nodule for biopsy.
Who Is a Candidate for Ion?
You may be a candidate for Ion if you have a suspected nodule that has been shown on a recent CT scan in your lung, no matter the size or location.
What to Expect Before the Procedure
Patients are required to get a CT scan within 30 days before the procedure. This scan is used as a template during the procedure, creating the 3D model of the patient’s lung anatomy that helps guide the physician to the nodules for biopsy.
What to Expect During the Procedure
During the Ion procedure, patients are given general anesthesia. This minimally invasive outpatient procedure uses an ultrathin, maneuverable catheter that is inserted in the mouth, which allows clinicians to reach small nodules in all 18 segments of the lung, and tissue is taken for biopsy. Recovery is very minimal, and most patients resume normal activities the next day.