Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Now Offers Ion - Advanced Diagnostic Technology for Lung Biopsies

Less invasive robotic-assisted surgical system offers higher precision and faster diagnosis

Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) now offers Ion by Intuitive, a minimally-invasive lung diagnostic technology that provides PVHMC physicians with advanced biopsy technology. The Ion offers more precision and is able to reach more tissue to better detect lung cancer.

The Ion, a robotic-assisted surgical system, uses an ultra-thin maneuverable catheter that can navigate deeper into lung tissue than traditional lung biopsy methods. The technology allows access to all lung nodules for more precise biopsies, and jump-starts diagnoses and treatments. CT scan data is used to generate a 3D image of the patient’s lungs down to the branches and nodules.

“The Ion allows us to perform biopsies with higher precision and detect abnormalities in the lungs, such as cancer, earlier than we previously could,” says Anthony Gan, DO, pulmonologist and critical care physician at PVHMC. “Early detection can lead to more treatment options and successful outcomes for our patients.”

To perform a bronchoscopy, the pulmonologist uses the Ion controller to the ultrathin catheter along a preplanned route to a nodule. The catheter has a 180-degree articulation and is flexible, allowing tight turns in the branches of the lung to easily access nodules. The catheter locks onto the nodule, and a system needle obtains the tissue sample.

After the biopsy, the tissue sample is sent to a pathologist to assess for cancer cells and results are provided to the surgical team within minutes. This allows the pulmonologist to rapidly diagnose the patient. If lung cancer is indicated, the pulmonologist will evaluate the stage of cancer and work with the patient’s health care team to establish a treatment plan.

To learn more about the Ion procedure at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, click here.