Atrium Health Navicent has introduced a new, minimally-invasive procedure used to diagnose lung cancer. The Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy procedure enables physicians to examine the airways of the lungs to diagnose lung cancer and other lung diseases such as infections and inflammatory conditions.
Atrium Health Navicent is the first in central Georgia to use this new technology, which allows physicians to precisely examine and collect tissue samples from the hard-to-reach periphery of the lungs where more than 70 percent of lung cancers occur.
“Diagnosing cancer in the earliest stages results in better outcomes for patients, and Atrium Health Navicent is proud to offer the Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy procedure to help more patients live fuller, healthier lives,” said Atrium Health Navicent Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Sanford G. Duke. “Atrium Health Navicent is constantly innovating so patients in central and south Georgia can benefit from state-of-the-art technology and high-quality care that’s close to home.”
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States. In Georgia, the ACS estimates that there will be 7,350 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed in 2024, a number that’s above the national average.
The Ion system is a robotic-assisted platform for minimally invasive biopsy in the lung. While a patient is under anesthesia, a doctor uses an ultra-thin, highly maneuverable robotic catheter to reach parts of the lungs not accessible through a standard biopsy. The technology uses CT scan data to generate a 3D image of the patient’s lungs, showing details such as the lung’s branches and nodules.
Because Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy aids in earlier cancer detection, diagnosis, intervention and treatment of lung cancer, patients’ outcomes are dramatically improved. As a minimally invasive procedure, patients also experience faster recovery times after a biopsy and fewer complications.
“This procedure is very precise, typically allowing patients to get an answer with 90 percent or more accuracy when nodules are very small,” said Dr. Anthony Holden, an Atrium Health Navicent cardiothoracic surgeon. “Early detection means there’s a better chance of survival, and with this procedure patients can resume their normal activities just hours after their biopsy, removing barriers to moving to the next stage of therapy if the biopsy comes back positive for cancer so patients can have the best possible chance for survival.”
If a biopsy does test positive for cancer, surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy are offered at the Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center, which also is home to a full continuum of care ranging from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship services.
If you or a loved one has concerns about cancer risk factors, available screenings or cancer care, contact Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center at 478-633-3000. To find a doctor, visit www.NavicentHealth.org and click “Find A Doctor.”