Hunterdon Health Pulmonologists Are Now Using the Ion Robotic Technology for Lung Cancer Diagnosis

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of death in the United States. Hunterdon Health is leading the way in the treatment of lung cancer with the addition of the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy System from Intuitive.

The Ion is used to perform robotic-assisted bronchoscopy that can reach all 18 segments of the lungs. The system features an ultra-thin and maneuverable catheter that allows navigation far into the peripheral lung. This technology enhances reach, stability, and precision in comparison to previous manual technologies. National data show that the Ion is safe and allows physicians to perform staging and biopsy of multiple nodules in a single procedure.

“We are so pleased to bring this new technology to our patients. For our lung cancer patients, time to intervention is critical. We are now able to biopsy these cancerous nodules that can be as small as a pea, so we can begin treatment sooner, stated Shrey Shah, M.D., Pulmonologist, Hunterdon Pulmonary and Critical Care, a specialty practice operated by Hunterdon Health. Dr. Shah, along with Oleksandr Pistun, M.D., is performing these procedures at Hunterdon Medical Center.

A patient can expect a 3D CT scan to determine the location of the suspicious nodules. The pulmonologist will use the Ion system to map the best care plan to reach the nodules. During the procedure, the Ion robotic system is used to carefully navigate the catheter and target the nodule, and collect samples that are analyzed. The patient will go home the same day.

Early detection of lung cancer dramatically improves patient outcomes. The Ion system allows Hunterdon Health physicians to detect, diagnose, and treat lung cancer at earlier stages. To learn more, call Hunterdon Pulmonary and Critical Care at 908-237-4080.