Did you know? About 44% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, significantly reducing the survival rate to just 7%. However, when caught in earlier stages, the survival rate increases to 61%.
A more efficient, accurate, and advanced biopsy is the key to early diagnosis and can drastically increase chances of survival in the battle against lung cancer.
The Lung and Sleep Center of North Texas takes great pride in being at the forefront of medical innovation, being one of the few providers in the DFW area to offer our patients access to the latest breakthrough in robotic-assisted lung biopsy: Ion by Intuitive.
With its cutting-edge capabilities, this state-of-the-art technology has ushered in a new era of diagnosis and treatment for lung conditions. Ion by Intuitive has revolutionized the field through a series of groundbreaking advancements:
With its advanced robotic catheter and precise control capabilities, our pulmonologists can navigate the intricate airways of the lungs with unparalleled accuracy. This level of precision allows for targeted sampling of lung abnormalities with minimal error or deviation, improving the chances of obtaining reliable diagnostic results and reducing the need for additional procedures.
The robotic-assisted capabilities of Ion by Intuitive allows our pulmonologists to access difficult-to-reach areas of the lungs with ease, enabling comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis of lung conditions that were previously challenging or impossible to reach using traditional methods.
In fact, more than 70% of cancerous lung nodules are located in areas of the lungs that were previously less accessible. However, with the introduction of Ion by Intuitive, these challenging regions can now be effectively reached and evaluated, improving the chances of detecting and diagnosing lung cancer at an early stage.
Ion’s minimally invasive technology utilizes a small, slender catheter inserted through the mouth or nose, eliminating the need for open surgery.
Once the device is inserted through the airway, Ion’s unmatched precision allows our pulmonologists to manipulate the instrument with enhanced control. This method avoids extensive tissue disruption or exploration in pursuit of the target area. As a result, the potential for accidental damage to healthy surrounding tissues during the procedure is minimized, ensuring that only the required tissue samples are collected. These improvements mitigate the risk of complications and post-operative pain, as well as promote faster recovery times with minimal scarring.
High-definition footage is captured by a camera at the tip of the bronchoscope and relayed to a monitor in real time, providing a comprehensive view of the lung interior and allowing our medical team to closely examine the lung structures, identify abnormalities, and navigate through the intricate pathways of the lungs with enhanced clarity. Ion’s remarkable visualization technology enables our pulmonologists to view the lungs from different angles and perspectives, allowing for a thorough assessment of the lung tissue and areas of interest in order to provide accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.
This system’s advanced robotics and stability minimize the risks and inconveniences associated with conventional techniques, ensuring a safer, more comfortable experience. Its reliability and accuracy increase the possibility of obtaining more reliable samples for accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes, providing our patients with a greater peace of mind.
Click here to read about a Burleson resident’s life-changing experience with this technology
Click here to see our doctors use Ion by Intuitive on TikTok or Instagram