Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center Performs First Robotic Bronchoscopy

Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center recently performed its first robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, representing a major milestone in healthcare technology for the region. This groundbreaking procedure was accomplished using the Ion Endoluminal System, a cutting-edge robotic platform for minimally invasive lung biopsies that specifically targets areas deep within the peripheral lung.

The Ion Endoluminal System utilizes an ultra-thin catheter paired with an integrated vision probe, providing unmatched precision and stability in maneuvering complex lung pathways. This advanced technology is equipped with a 3.5 mm outer-diameter catheter that navigates all 18 segments of the lung with 180-degree articulation, making it possible to reach even the smallest and most remote nodules for biopsy—many of which are critical for the early diagnosis of conditions such as lung cancer.

A key innovation of the system is its fiber optic shape sensor, which continuously monitors the catheter’s full shape hundreds of times per second, delivering highly accurate data on its location and orientation throughout the navigation and biopsy process.

"This represents a tremendous advancement in patient care at Conemaugh," said Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Medical Director of Pulmonology. "The precision and enhanced diagnostic accuracy offered by robotic bronchoscopy allow us to provide safer, more reliable sampling, ultimately leading to faster, more accurate diagnoses." 

With robotic bronchoscopy, Conemaugh Memorial now offers patients access to faster, more reliable diagnoses. This enables timely treatment options for conditions like lung cancer, where early detection is vital to effective care.

Bronchoscopy is a commonly performed procedure to biopsy lung nodules. In a traditional bronchoscopy, a doctor manually guides a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope through the patient’s mouth or nose, down the throat, past the vocal cords and trachea, and into the lung passageways. Equipped with a light, camera, and biopsy tools, the bronchoscope allows doctors to examine lung tissue visually and collect biopsy samples.

Robotic bronchoscopy, however, introduces a new level of precision. Like traditional bronchoscopy, it is minimally invasive and enables doctors to biopsy lung nodules. In robotic bronchoscopy, the doctor operates a robotic arm from a console, guiding a thin, flexible catheter equipped with a camera, light, and advanced shape-sensing technology. This robotic system offers enhanced maneuverability, allowing for precise navigation through complex lung airways.