Idaho health system uses robots as early detection in this cancer

Robots are increasingly being employed to do all manner of tasks and saving lives can be added to that list.

Recently, Saint Alphonsus started using a “next-generation robotic system” built by Intuitive that helps detect lung cancers earlier.

Since May, when Dr. John East and staff started using the Ion robotic bronchoscopy platform, more than 20 procedures have been performed at Saint Alphonsus.

East is the medical director for Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine. “This system is going to allow us to diagnose lung abnormalities early and to diagnose lung cancer when it is at an earlier stage when the treatment is more effective and cure rates are higher,” he said.

According to Saint Alphonsus, the Ion has an ultra-thin catheter with a camera attached and is capable of 180-degrees of navigation.

“This makes it possible for physicians to use a three-dimensional map that has been reconstructed from CT imaging to navigate through the airways in the lungs,” a release stated. “The system allows for collection of tissue in all 18 segments of the lung in a minimally invasive way, and the procedure is performed as an outpatient.”

With the system, the health system is able to improve patient outcomes through more precise biopsies and improved procedural safety, it stated. It will also assist in lung cancer detection when nodules are found through screenings.

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