Ion: Technology and Techniques for Shape-sensing Robotic-assisted Bronchoscopy

Abstract

PurposeThis report describes the Ion Endoluminal System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc, Sunnyvale, CA) and practices for safe and effective use in patients with small peripheral pulmonary nodules (PPNs). DescriptionThis shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system allows airway visualization and navigation to reach and biopsy small PPNs through a stable platform. The system provides 3-dimensional mapping and visualization of the airways, a flexible and fully articulating 3.5-mm (outer diameter) catheter, a peripheral vision probe, and system-specific biopsy needles. EvaluationThe Ion Endoluminal System was evaluated in an ongoing prospective, multicenter trial including 241 patients with 270 PPNs (largest mean cardinal measurement, 18.8 ± 6.5 mm). Mean time to register and navigate decreased from 10 minutes in the first 10 cases to 7 minutes in the subsequent cases. Asymptomatic pneumothorax occurred in 8 patients (3.3%), 1 (0.4%) with pigtail catheter placement. Two patients (0.8%) experienced airway bleeding; both cases of bleeding resolved within 5 minutes of tamponade. ConclusionsThe Ion Endoluminal System’s unique shape-sensing technology can be leveraged to facilitate localization and sampling of PPNs and potentially improve diagnostic accuracy.