Early detection is one of the most important factors in treating lung cancer. At the Orlando Health Cancer Institute, we offer a pioneering technology that harnesses the power of precision robotic-assisted surgery to provide a quick and accurate diagnosis of cancerous lung nodules.
The institute is the first facility in Florida, and one of few in the nation, to offer Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy. The platform allows our team of cancer specialists to diagnose small, hard-to-reach nodules located around the edges of the lung. And most importantly, these nodules can be analyzed earlier, improving survival rates.
Our team has successfully completed over 2,000 of these minimally invasive robotic bronchoscopies, making us the most experienced in the nation.
What is Ion?
Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy enables our cancer specialists to reach deep into the lungs to accurately detect lesions and obtain tissue samples. The technology uses an ultra-thin catheter, controlled with robotic assistance, to reach nodules that would be otherwise inaccessible.
Our oncologists can quickly diagnose small lesions in all 18 segments of the lungs with greater precision than every before. That means we can get your treatment plan started as soon as possible, while your cancer is still in it early stages.
How Does it Work?
Robotic bronchoscopy uses an ultra-thin and incredibly flexible endoscope (a thin tube with light and camera attached) to enter your lungs through your mouth.
With robotic assistance, your surgeon carefully guides the endoscope through the intricate airways of your lungs to reach the lesion. The precision procedure uses advanced imaging techniques (including CT stan and ultrasound) to help navigate to the nodule, where a tissue sample is collected for analysis in the lab.
Benefits of Using Ion
The Ion platform offers several advantages over traditional needle biopsies.
- Ion boosts our team’s ability to quickly assess what is happening inside your lung, which means your care plan can start sooner.
- The procedure uses an ultra-thin and highly flexible catheter, enabling it to reach nodules that are inaccessible through traditional biopsies.
- The minimally invasive procedure won’t injure your lungs, allowing for a faster recovery time.
- There is a lower risk of causing a deflated or collapsed lung.
About THYNK Health
THYNK Health is a screening platform that uses artificial intelligence to improve the accuracy and efficiency of lung cancer screening programs. The software enhances the ability of our team to identity patients with early-stage lung cancer. Each day, THYNK Health sorts through all of the imaging studies done within the Orlando Health system, searching for patients with lung nodules that may merit closer examination. Once those patients are identified, a member of our care team reaches out to discuss diagnosis options, including biopsies.
Contact Us
Our experts will work with you to get the answers you need after diagnosis. We provide a full evaluation and personalized treatment plan with a pulmonologist (lung specialist) or surgeon. Our nurse navigator will help you throughout the process by finding the right resources and coordinating any follow-up visits you may need.
For more information about lung nodules or a second opinion, please call us at (321) 842-9429.
