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Kingman Regional Medical Center offers robotic-assisted lung biopsy with the Ion endoluminal system.

What is the Ion system?

IonIon, made by Intuitive, is used to perform robotic-assisted bronchoscopy— a procedure in which doctors can look at your lungs and airways. The Ion system is remarkable because of its flexibility, precision, and reach. Doctors can use its ultrathin catheter and 3D navigation to maneuver to deep, hard-to-reach areas of the lung. This makes it an excellent minimally invasive option for obtaining biopsies or tissue samples of lung nodules.

Lung Biopsy with Ion

If your lung imaging shows a spot on your lung, commonly called a nodule, you may be wondering about what comes next. While most nodules are benign, your doctor might recommend a biopsy to determine whether it is cancerous. KRMC offers the latest technology for lung biopsy with the Ion endoluminal system. 

During robotic assisted bronchoscopy with Ion, your physician guides a small catheter through your airways to the nodule for biopsy. The flexible catheter can move 180 degrees in all directions, so it can reach all areas of the lung. Once the catheter reaches its target, it locks into place, enabling your doctor to get a sample of the tissue for testing. 

This approach to minimally invasive lung biopsy reduces recovery time and risk for complications. 

 

Early Detection of Lung Cancer Saves Lives

The Ion system allows our doctors to biopsy nodules at earlier stages for faster diagnosis. For lung nodules that are cancerous, early detection and treatment can mean better outcomes for patients. For more information, visit the KRMC Lung Nodule Clinic.