Ion Bronchoscope

At Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, we've invested in life-enhancing technology and better cancer care solutions, so our patients have access to quality care. We now offer Ion, a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedure for minimally invasive lung biopsies.

If your physician found a spot on your lung, commonly called a small mass or nodule, he or she may recommend you have it checked out further. Biopsy involves obtaining a tissue sample from the suspicious area and examining the cells under a microscope to determine if cancer or another disease is present. There are a number of ways to obtain tissue for biopsy.

Lung nodules are a common finding in medical imaging, and while many of them may be benign, it is crucial to obtain accurate diagnoses for proper patient management. In cases where the nodules raise concern, your doctor may recommend a lung biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer or other conditions. Traditionally, lung biopsies could be invasive and carried certain risks, but with the Ion robotic-assisted system, we are now offering a minimally invasive alternative.

During robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, the thin and maneuverable catheter featured in the Ion system allows for precise navigation deep into the peripheral lung, allowing physicians to target specific areas with accuracy. Once at the location of the nodule for biopsy, the catheter locks in place. Your physician will insert biopsy tools through the catheter to take a sample of your lung tissue.

Compared to traditional manual techniques, the Ion system's stability and precision significantly reduce the chances of inconclusive results or the need for subsequent biopsies.

Early-stage diagnosis of lung cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival. At stage IA-1, the average 5-year survival rate is an encouraging 92%. However, identifying lung cancer at such an early stage can be challenging due to the location of nodules deep within the lung tissue. The Ion endoluminal system can safely and effectively obtain tissue samples from these hard-to-reach areas, aiding in accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

Our investment in Ion complements our robotic-assisted surgical program, enabling patients to receive all care—from biopsy to surgery—at Henry Mayo.