MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center adds transformative technology to enhance patient care

MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center is excited to announce that it has added a key piece of cutting-edge technology to help with its fight against lung cancer – the Ion robotic bronchoscopy system. The Ion will allow physicians to perform minimally invasive peripheral lung biopsies using robotic-assisted technology.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death, primarily because it often goes undiagnosed until the disease has advanced and is more difficult to cure.

Diagnosing lung cancer often requires a biopsy of lung nodules, most of which are in the outer third of the lung. This area is full of tight spaces and narrow airways, making it difficult to reach with a traditional bronchoscope. Ion navigational bronchoscopy can access these hard-to-reach areas of the lung.

“Ion navigational bronchoscopy is a significant advancement in the early detection of lung cancer for our patients," said Melissa McGee, Surgical Services Director. "It gives pulmonologists a minimally invasive way to access areas of the lung that were previously nearly impossible to reach and to biopsy lung nodules for an immediate diagnosis. Detecting lung cancer at an earlier stage can improve patient outcomes and give them a better chance of survival.

Ion benefits

• Minimally invasive method for lung biopsies
• Ability to biopsy nodules previously inaccessible with real-time three-dimensional imaging
• Earlier diagnosis leading to improved outcome and cure rates

Before Ion, a standard method for identifying and biopsying suspicious lung nodules involved using live CT scan imaging and a needle that entered the chest wall and lung from outside the body. However, this biopsy technique carries a significant risk of lung collapse, which may necessitate hospitalization for some patients. Ion's minimally invasive lung biopsy is safer for patients, allowing for faster recovery.

The Ion software uses a CT scan of the lungs to create 3D airway images and map a pathway to the suspicious nodule. The surgeon can visualize the airway in real time with the Ion's vision probe. Next, the surgeon inserts the ultra-thin Ion catheter, which travels to the patient's lung via the mouth and throat, passing through an endotracheal tube. This procedure has fewer complications than a needle inserted from outside the body.

To Learn more, visit Ion Navigation Bronchoscopy.