Robotic Bronchoscopy at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

physicians using Ion technology

If you recently learned you have a suspicious mass or nodule on your lung, your doctor may recommend additional procedures, such as a biopsy, to determine a diagnosis.

At Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, we are proud to offer the latest advancements in lung care by performing minimally invasive robotic-assisted bronchoscopies using Ion. Using this cutting-edge technology, our physicians can diagnose and treat lung conditions with unparalleled precision and safety.

With Ion, there are no incisions made into the chest wall. All samples are taken from inside the lungs using an ultra-thin, maneuverable catheter that extends to small, difficult-to-reach nodules in peripheral areas of the lungs where more than 70 percent of cancerous lung nodules may be located.

Additionally, Ion’s shape-sensing technology, gives doctors detailed, real-time information, and greater control of the catheter position to locate and take tissue biopsies with a high degree of accuracy when compared to a standard technique.

Diagnosing Lung Cancer Early

  • Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. More patients die every year from the disease than from prostate, breast, and colon cancer combined.
  • More than 90 percent of people diagnosed with lung cancer do not survive. Early-stage lung cancer patients often have no symptoms, and when it is found, it is often at an advanced stage and has already spread beyond its primary location.
  • These limitations can lead to false positives, false negatives, or side effects such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and hemorrhage.
  • As lung cancer screening increases, nodules tend to be smaller and harder to reach, making early-stage diagnosis – and therefore treatment – difficult.

Benefits of Robotic-assisted Biopsy

  • Provides precise control and visualization, allowing for accurate targeting of suspicious lung nodules.
  • Allows for early detection of lung conditions, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
  • Reduces pain and recovery times, allowing you to get back to your normal lifestyle.
  • Shortens the patient journey by minimizing the number of biopsies needed to deliver an accurate lung cancer diagnosis.
  • Minimizes the risk of complications, making the procedure safer for patients.

How Ion works

  • Before the procedure, patients undergo imaging tests, such as a low-dose CT scan, to map out the lungs’ structure.
  • During the bronchoscopy, Ion’s ultra-thin, flexible catheter is guided through the airways with real-time imaging to reach the targeted lung tissue.
  • Once the area is reached, a biopsy can be taken for further analysis to determine the presence of cancer or other conditions.
  • Patients are closely monitored post-procedure.
  • Most patients are able to go home the same day and return to normal activities within a short period, though your doctor will provide specific instructions based on your situation.

For more information, please contact the Lung Cancer Institute at 973-322-6644.