A Minimally Invasive Option for Lung Biopsies

The Ion Endoluminal System

November 18, 2024

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Wellington Regional Medical Center has acquired the Ion® Endoluminal System, developed by Intuitive, creators of the da Vinci® robotic surgical system, which helps detect and address lung nodules in their early stages. Mark Meyer, MD, thoracic surgeon, provides some insights into this new technology.

Q:  What is the benefit of the Ion Endoluminal System?

A: Many patients currently require multiple biopsies prior to lung cancer diagnosis, which can add months to a patient’s journey to care. The system is a robotic-assisted technology that enables doctors to diagnose and treat lung cancer at earlier stages than previously possible. They can perform complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than with conventional surgical techniques.

Q:  How does the system work?

A: During bronchoscopy with Ion, the physician uses the controller to navigate to the target along a planned path. The catheter can articulate 180° in any direction to pass through small, difficult-to navigate airways and around tight bends to reach all 18 segments of the lung. The enhanced capabilities enable physicians to get to nodules deep in the peripheral lung with less difficulty.

Q:  Is it less risky than a standard bronchoscopy procedure?

A: This new technology can result in reduced or avoided complications of more invasive approaches to biopsy, such as collapsed lung or pneumothorax, improve patient outcomes and provide an enhanced patient pathway for therapy.

Q: Who should get a lung screening?

A: The American Cancer Society recommends yearly screening for lung cancer with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan for people aged 50 to 80 years who smoke or used to smoke and have at least a 20 pack-year history of smoking. People should not be screened if they have serious health problems that will likely limit how long they will live, or if they won’t be able to or won’t want to get treatment if lung cancer is found.

Q:  Why is early detection so important?

A: The majority of lung cancers are diagnosed in the later stages of the condition. According to the American Lung Association, early detection of lung cancer with low dose CT scans can decrease the rate of lung cancer mortality by 14% to 20% for high-risk groups. This can lead to earlier treatment, which improves outlook.