New robotic technology is now available at UPMC Williamsport providing a minimally invasive approach to diagnose lung cancer. Ganga Ranasuriya, M.D., pulmonologist, UPMC Williamsport, recently performed the first procedures at UPMC Williamsport using the Ion by Intuitive, a robotic-assisted system, on patients whose potentially cancerous nodules or lesions in their lungs were difficult to access with traditional biopsy tools.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide this new technology for our patients in the community,” said Ranasuriya. “We are hopeful that this technology will enable us to biopsy lung nodules that are deep within the lung safely and effectively, allowing us to detect cancers in early stages before they have spread for more optimal outcomes for our patients.”

The Ion system allows physicians to use a minimally invasive endoscope to see inside the lungs, obtain a tissue sample for biopsy, and enable earlier, more accurate diagnosis of small and hard-to-reach nodules in the periphery of the lung. By combining traditional endoscopic views of the lung with computer-assisted navigation and shape-sensing technology, the system provides physicians with continuous confidence in accuracy for the entire procedure by allowing them to navigate an ultra-thin, ultra-maneuverable catheter deep inside to the periphery of the lungs where most nodules are found with a decreased risk of complications. Once identified, nodules can be marked with a special dye to ensure the entire nodule is removed reducing trauma to the surrounding tissue.

“Robotic bronchoscopy allows continuous visualization and precise control while navigating through the respiratory tree within the lung,” said Syed Yazdani, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon, UPMC Williamsport. “Using the Ion allows us to operate with confidence within the smallest of margins — millimeters — which allows us to biopsy further into the lung and offer more patients biopsies than we did previously.”

Lung Cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the U.S. It usually doesn’t cause symptoms unless in an advanced stage, making screening for lung cancer and early diagnosis critical, an important and timely message as November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

For more information on robotic bronchoscopy or pulmonology services at UPMC in North Central Pa., visit UPMC.com/LungNCPA.