{"id":2938,"date":"2025-03-23T18:30:09","date_gmt":"2025-03-23T18:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/blog\/?p=2938"},"modified":"2025-03-29T18:51:49","modified_gmt":"2025-03-29T18:51:49","slug":"advancing-lung-cancer-diagnosis-with-3d-robotic-bronchoscopy-a-game-changer-for-community-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/blog\/thoracic\/advancing-lung-cancer-diagnosis-with-3d-robotic-bronchoscopy-a-game-changer-for-community-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Advancing Lung Cancer Diagnosis with 3D Robotic Bronchoscopy: A Game-Changer for Community Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dr. George Chaux Reveals How Real-time Imaging and Robotic Bronchoscopy Work Together<\/h2>\n

When it comes to lung cancer, early detection can make all the difference. For many patients, the process of diagnosing lung nodules has historically been invasive, uncomfortable, and uncertain. But now, with advanced technology like the Ion™ Endoluminal System by Intuitive Surgical, patients can undergo a minimally invasive robotic bronchoscopy that offers increased precision, comfort, and peace of mind. At Saint John’s Health Center, having this technology available means bringing world-class care close to home — where it matters most.<\/p>\n

\"Ion
Supported by 3D imaging, Ion robotic brochoscopy offers highly effecting biopsy results.<\/figcaption><\/figure>The Ion robotic bronchoscopy system uses a thin, flexible catheter that is carefully guided into the patient’s airway. What sets this system apart is its precision navigation — a robotic arm, directed by pre-programmed imaging data, charts the safest and most direct path to even the smallest, hardest-to-reach lung nodules. Once the target is reached, a biopsy needle is deployed through the catheter to collect tissue samples for testing. This level of accuracy allows physicians to detect lung cancer earlier while reducing the risks often associated with traditional methods.<\/p>\n

For patients, the benefits are profound. Robotic bronchoscopy is minimally invasive, which means fewer complications, a shorter recovery time, and less discomfort. Unlike conventional surgery, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and most patients are able to return home within a few hours. Accessing nodules in the more challenging areas of the lung not only improves diagnostic accuracy but also provides a pathway to faster and more confident treatment planning. This innovation offers patients a safer way forward.<\/p>\n

George E. Chaux, MD, FCCP<\/a>, a pulmonologist, is credited to have performed the first Ion bronchoscopy at Saint John’s using the Cios Spin C-arm, an imaging device that supports 3D targeting during the procedure.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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“We’ve been using the ion navigation system for some time now, but this is the first time we’ve used the Cios Spin C-arm, which is a new technology that allows us to do an intraoperative cone beam CT scan, which increases the accuracy of the navigation and location precision so that when we do our biopsies, we can improve the yield 80% to 90% with the use of this technology.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

– George Chaux, MD, FCCP <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

How Image-guidance Supports More Acurate Lung Biospsies<\/h3>\n