Advanced Bronchoscopy System Detects Previously Inaccessible Lung Lesions

Known for pioneering the latest thoracic diagnostic and treatment options, Orlando Health Cancer Institute was the first in Florida to implement a specialized robotic bronchoscopy system for minimally invasive lung biopsies.

Used in hybrid suites for interventional radiology, the system is an integration of Siemens’ 3D CIOS Spin mobile imaging and the Ion robotic-assisted platform. The CIOS features a 3D C-arm that spins a seamless mobile cone beam for CT scans during robotic bronchoscopy procedures. By pairing a fiber optic, shape-sensing catheter with AI-supported bronchial mapping, the Ion system more precisely detects and diagnoses hard-to-reach nodules.

“Robotic lung nodule diagnosis is part of our full-service interventional pulmonary program. We have the largest robotic nodule program in Florida and one of the largest in the nation,” says Ali Z. Jiwani, MD, a board-certified interventional pulmonologist and director of Interventional Pulmonology with the Rod Taylor Thoracic Care Center at Orlando Health Cancer Institute.  

The novel technology results in earlier lung cancer detection and improved patient outcomes. “This enables us to reliably reach and efficiently biopsy lesions within the lung without complications,” says Dr. Jiwani. “With the CIOS integration, we are able to navigate and address previously inaccessible lesions that are very tiny or sitting on risky anatomy — lesions most specialists couldn't dream or dare to go after.”

The system’s mobility also allows collaboration within the institute. “We can enter the operating room and assist surgeons by using our robot to quickly determine a nodule’s location, biopsy it if needed and mark it with dye to assist in a segmentectomy,” says Dr. Jiwani. “One of our greatest strengths at Orlando Health is that we treat thoracic oncology and its subspecialties as one unified team rather than disparate service lines. This results in our quick turnaround times and optimal patient outcomes.”

Orlando Health Cancer Institute was named in the Becker's Hospital Review “60 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs” 2023 list and is recognized nationally for its novel therapies and research to improve patient outcomes and access to care.