Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy gives doctors a non-surgical way to biopsy spots in the lungs. This system takes the CT scan of your lungs and builds a 3D airway map that provides the doctor performing the biopsy turn-by-turn directions of your lungs.
Once the catheter used to collect the biopsy arrives at the spot in the lungs, it has a flexible tip that allows doctors to collect multiple biopsies of different areas in the lung, including very small spots (the size of a pea) in hard-to-reach areas.
McLaren Greater Lansing purchased this almost $700,000 system in August, and the feedback from patients so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I had a chest X-ray and CT scan of my lungs, and a spot showed up on my right lung,” said Merialice Jensen, a patient. “My doctor recommended a bronchoscopy with the Ion machine so we could take multiple biopsies.”
To prepare for the biopsy, Jensen had to discontinue all food the night before and liquid two hours before her procedure. This is because, for an Ion bronchoscopy, patients receive general anesthesia. It’s important to check with your insurance to avoid any unexpected medical bills, dress for comfort, and arrive early with your identification and insurance cards.
“The experience was wonderful; it was one of the easiest procedures I have had done,” said Jensen. “I had some light scratching afterwards, but no impact on my voice or throat. My doctor removed a lot of mucus from my lungs, and I could breathe much better afterwards.”
Jensen’s biopsy came back negative, but it was suggested that she come back in three months for a re-check to ensure the spot on her right lung hasn’t changed.
“I am 70 years old, and it was the easiest procedure I have ever had,” said Jensen. “Hopefully I am able to have this same procedure for future checks.”
Recovery can vary, and no two patients are alike. However, recovery is typically very minimal and most patients resume normal activities the next day. If there are activities that are especially important to you, like returning to work or exercising, be sure to talk with your doctor about your concerns so your provider can work through those with you.
“The Ion robotic system has completely transformed the process of collecting lung tissue samples for biopsy, making it not only safer but also incredibly simple,” said Dr. Salah Aboubakr, Pulmonologist at Capitol Area Pulmonary Associates who performs surgery and cares for patients at McLaren Greater Lansing. “This is particularly true for cases involving small lung nodules located in hard-to-reach areas like the periphery. With the Ion system’s ultrathin and ultra-maneuverable catheter, clinicians are now able to access all 18 segments of the lung with increased reach, precision, and stability.”
If you are a current smoker, former smoker who has quit within the past 15 years and had a 20-pack- year smoking history, or have a family history of lung cancer, you should ask your primary care provider if a lung cancer screening is right for you.
Note that you should have this screening done only if you are not experiencing any symptoms possibly related to lung cancer (such as fever, chest pain, new shortness of breath, new or changing cough, hoarseness, unexplained significant weight loss, or coughing up blood). If you are experiencing symptoms related to lung cancer, you should schedule an appointment with your primary care provider as soon as possible.
To learn more about lung cancer screening at McLaren Greater Lansing, click here.
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