USA Health University Hospital offers new robotic technology for lung cancer detection, diagnosis
The new Intuitive Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy system helps physicians navigate the complex airways of the lungs and reach areas that can be difficult to access with conventional bronchoscopy.
By Carol McPhail
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USA Health University Hospital now offers new minimally invasive technology to help detect lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
The new Intuitive Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy system, coupled with AI Illuminate CT software and CT cone beam technology, uses 3D mapping, robotic navigation, artificial intelligence, real-time location tracking and robotic stability to help physicians navigate the complex airways of the lungs and reach areas that can be difficult to access with conventional bronchoscopy.
“The system positions USA Health as a leader in technology by providing the best equipment within a 100-mile radius,” said Robert Petrossian, M.D., director of Interventional Pulmonology. “This offers patients the best care available for hard-to-reach lung nodules right here at home.”
Once the targeted area is reached, physicians can obtain tissue samples for rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) and pathology analysis to determine whether a lung nodule is cancerous. Real-time assessment also helps confirm that sufficient tissue has been collected for comprehensive pathologic and molecular evaluation, reducing the need for repeat procedures.
“With the Ion system, we have an advanced way to navigate through the lung and reach small nodules that can be a challenge to access,” Petrossian said. “It allows us to approach these areas with greater control and stability while obtaining tissue samples that can help us make a diagnosis. For patients, this can mean a clearer path from an abnormal scan to understanding what’s causing it and what comes next.”
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, making early detection especially important. It is often detected through imaging, including CT scans performed as part of lung cancer screening. The new AI Illuminate CT software routinely scans all chest CTs for incidental lung nodules. When a suspicious nodule is identified, a tissue sample can provide the information physicians need to confirm a diagnosis and determine the most appropriate course of care.
"Adding this technology to our lung cancer program strengthens our ability to provide patients with a timely and accurate diagnosis, which will create more precise treatment options,” said Brian Persing, M.D., director of the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute and a lung cancer specialist. “This will allow our multidisciplinary team to make informed decisions that will ultimately provide better care and outcomes for our patients."
The new technology strengthens USA Health’s comprehensive approach to lung cancer care, bringing together specialists in pulmonology, thoracic surgery, radiology, pathology and medical oncology to evaluate patients and develop individualized treatment plans, Persing said.
To learn more about lung nodule evaluation and whether robotic bronchoscopy may be appropriate, patients can talk with their physician or contact USA Health Pulmonology at 251-471-5890.
