Ion by Intuitive

Welcome to the future of lung care

With IonⓇ endoluminal system by Intuitive™

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:

Enhanced Precision and Accuracy:

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.

Expanded Reach and Accessibility:

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.

Minimally Invasive Approach:

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.

Advanced Visualization:

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.

Safety and Reliability:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is robotic bronchoscopy and how does it work?

Robotic bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses advanced robotic technology to examine and treat the airways and lungs. It involves the use of a small, flexible robotic catheter that is inserted through the mouth or nose and guided into the lungs. It enables doctors to reach difficult-to-access areas of the lungs, visualize any abnormalities, and collect samples to treat lung conditions such as lung cancer.

What does a bronchoscopy diagnose?

Bronchoscopies are used to diagnose several lung conditions such as lung cancer, lung diseases like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary infections, and lung abnormalities such as lung nodules.

What is the difference between a robotic bronchoscopy and a traditional bronchoscopy?

Robotic bronchoscopy provides enhanced precision, improved visualization, and increased accessibility to areas of the lungs that are more difficult or impossible to reach using traditional methods. This allows doctors to more precisely control the maneuvering of the bronchoscope, decreasing complications and providing better, more accurate information. These advantages result in more effective treatment while reducing risks, discomfort, and recovery time compared to traditional bronchoscopy procedures.

Are robotic bronchoscopies painful?

During a robotic bronchoscopy procedure, the patient is put under general anesthesia and will not feel any pain. The procedure is minimally invasive and does not involve any incisions, minimizing post-operative pain. While some patients may experience mild discomfort or a temporary sore throat after the procedure, robotic bronchoscopies using Ion by Intuitive’s advanced technology are designed to be as comfortable for the patient as possible. Our dedicated medical team prioritizes patient comfort and will take every necessary measure to ensure a pain-free and convenient experience.

How is Ion by Intuitive used in lung cancer diagnosis?

Ion’s advanced robotic technology grants the bronchoscope an extended reach, giving our doctors access into parts of the lungs that were previously harder to examine. These areas are where the majority of cancerous nodules reside. Our doctors are then able to take a sample from the area of interest without disrupting surrounding tissue in order to examine the sample and provide an efficient, accurate diagnosis. In some cases, the cancer may be able to be removed immediately upon discovery, expediting the traditional process between discovery, diagnosis, and treatment.

What are the advantages of Ion by Intuitive for lung cancer screening?

Due to the comprehensive, efficient, and precise nature of Ion’s robotic bronchoscopy technology, choosing Ion by Intuitive increases the likelihood of early-stage lung cancer detection and diagnosis. Early detection is crucial, as it allows for more effective treatment options and substantially improves the chances of survival.

Is lung cancer curable?

The curability of lung cancer depends on several factors, including the stage at which it is diagnosed, the type of lung cancer, and the overall health of the individual. The effectiveness of treatment tends to decrease as the cancer matures. About 26% of lung cancer cases are detected in early phases with a survival rate of approximately 61%. However, 44% of cases are caught during later stages in which survivorship drops to around 7%. Early, thorough screenings and biopsies are of utmost importance to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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