First private hospital deploys next-generation robotic bronchoscope for lung cancer diagnosis

Coinciding with the national rollout of the national lung cancer screening program, the next-generation Ion robotic bronchoscope has been adopted by the first private hospital in Australia, Epworth Eastern.

Traditional bronchoscopy, typically guided by fluoroscopy, delivers a sensitivity rate ranging between 14% and 63%, depending on the lesion’s size, location, and the presence of a bronchus sign. By contrast, percutaneous transthoracic needle aspiration (TTNA) achieves diagnostic sensitivity of around 90%, though complications occur in up to 43% of cases.

The Ion robotic bronchoscopy platform has been developed by Intuitive Surgical and distributed locally by Device Technologies. The system’s built-in navigation technology allows respiratory specialists to access nodules that are often inaccessible with conventional approaches.

Respiratory physician Dr Nick Wilsmore said “This system provides us with an additional option for reaching nodules in challenging positions. It’s part of our commitment to using advanced technology to support clinical decision-making.”

Thoracic surgeon Dr Jazmin Eckhaus added, “This offers an opportunity for more patients to have minimally invasive operations.”

Julie, a woman in her 60s and one of the first patients in Victoria to undergo a biopsy with the Ion system, experienced firsthand the benefits of this new approach. A former medical practice manager, she had a routine heart scan on her GP’s advice, which incidentally revealed a lung nodule. The location made obtaining a cell sample difficult. Her initial biopsy using traditional methods was benign but inconclusive.

On the recommendation of Dr Wilsmore, she underwent a second biopsy with the Ion robotic bronchoscope. Pathology confirmed the nodule was not cancerous, and Julie will return for follow-up imaging in the coming months.

Early evidence is promising. Single-centre studies using the Ion platform and its CT-to-body divergence reduction technology suggest diagnostic yields in the 80% range, reaching up to 90% in some cases, even for lesions under 20 mm.

Mark Brooke, CEO of Lung Foundation Australia, said the technology could transform outcomes for patients navigating the uncertainty of a suspected lung cancer diagnosis.

“Being able to detect and biopsy lesions that were previously unreachable, patients will have additional hope,” he said. “With the introduction of more ways to detect lung cancer earlier and provide more precise treatments, Lung Foundation Australia is more optimistic today about the future of lung cancer than anytime before. We look forward to seeing other hospitals across Australia make similar investments for their community.”

This latest innovation builds on Epworth’s earlier launch of one of Australia’s first Priority Lung Screening Assessment Services. Based at Epworth Eastern in Box Hill, the service offers patients rapid access to a multidisciplinary specialist team and advanced diagnostics, including the Ion robotic bronchoscope, all in one location.

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