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« Pulmonary Medicine

Ion Bronchoscopy

Flexibility for your lung biopsy.

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Ion bronchoscopy machine

About the Procedure

If your physician found a spot on your lung, commonly called a nodule or small mass, he or she may recommend you have it checked out further. This test is called a lung biopsy. Fewer than 5% of nodules are actually cancer, but your doctor may recommend you find out for sure.

HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital offers Ion bronchoscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to perform lung biopsies. Ion bronchoscopy uses a robotic-assisted system to examine the lungs and obtain biopsies from hard-to-reach areas. 

Overall, Ion bronchoscopy represents a significant advancement in pulmonary medicine, enhancing the ability to diagnose and treat lung diseases effectively. 

Your doctor may recommend this procedure if there are suspicious nodules or lesions in your lungs that need further evaluation, especially if they are difficult to access with traditional bronchoscopy.

Benefits

  • Increased Accuracy: The robotic system reduces the risk of complications and improves the likelihood of obtaining adequate tissue samples.
  • Less Invasive: The procedure is minimally invasive, leading to reduced recovery times and less discomfort for patients.
  • Real-Time Imaging: Physicians can visualize the bronchial structures in real-time, allowing for better decision-making during the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

During the procedure, a thin, flexible catheter is inserted through the mouth or nose and guided into the lungs using advanced imaging technology, allowing the physician to visualize and sample tissue.

Patients receive sedation to minimize discomfort. The procedure usually lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, and you may feel some pressure, discomfort, and sore throat but should not experience significant pain. 

  • Bronchoscopy procedure being performed in operating suite.During robotic-assisted bronchoscopy with Ion, your physician guides an ultra-thin catheter through your airway to the area of your lung for biopsy.
  • The small, flexible catheter can reach all segments of the lung—even far into the outer lung.
  • Once at the location of the nodule for biopsy, the catheter locks in place. Your physician will insert biopsy tools through the catheter to take a sample of your lung tissue.

You may be advised to refrain from eating or drinking for a certain period before the procedure. It's essential to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.

You will likely be monitored for a short time post-procedure. Some patients may experience a sore throat or cough, which usually resolves quickly.

You should have a friend or family member available to take you home.

Results from the biopsy are typically received within a week. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings and any next steps.

Depending on the results and your overall health, follow-up care may be necessary. Your doctor will provide guidance on any further monitoring or treatment.

Ion bronchoscopy offers greater precision and flexibility, making it easier to navigate complex lung anatomy and obtain samples from small or difficult-to-reach lesions.

Talk to Your Health Care Provider

If you have any other questions or concerns, it’s important to discuss them with your health care provider, who can provide personalized information based on your specific situation.

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