Emory Johns Creek Hospital showcases new ION non-surgical robot used in the detection of lung cancer

JOHNS CREEK, GA - Emory Johns Creek Hospital recently held a 'test-drive' event for its newest non-surgical robot, called ION. The ION bronchoscopy system by Intuitive uses minimally invasive fiberoptic technology to allow clinicans to biopsy lung nodules that may be suspicious for lung cancer.

Stephanie Hampton, MD, assistant professor of pulmonary and critical care at Emory University School of Medicine, says traditionally clinicians have been limited by the size and location of nodules they've been able to biopsy.

"This new technology has improved our ability to access smaller and difficult-to-reach nodules and diagnose lung cancer earlier, which often leads to a better prognosis for patients," says Hampton. "If we do suspect lung cancer, the ION also allows us to do multiple procedures at one time."

With the ION, nodules as small as 5 to 6 millimeters can be biopsied. Experts say lung cancer is often caught too late - but it doesn't have to be.

Rachel Medbery, MD, thoracic surgeon at Emory Healthcare states, early detection is key to improving patient outcomes. "The ION allows doctors to safely and accurately biopsy small nodules from within the airways of the lung. If lung cancer can be caught early and then removed, many patients do not need chemotherapy and will remain cancer free for a long time." Medbery is also an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine.

The ION bronchoscopy system is available at multiple Emory Healthcare locations including Emory University Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital and Emory Johns Creek Hospital.