PITTSBURGH - UPMC is expanding access to advanced lung cancer diagnostic technology across Pennsylvania with the addition of the Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy at UPMC East, UPMC Passavant, UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Shadyside, UPMC Washington and UPMC Altoona. The expansion demonstrates UPMC's commitment to continued investment in advanced technology and providing world-class care throughout the communities it serves.
This platform uses minimally invasive technology and enables physicians to navigate deep into the lungs with greater precision than traditional bronchoscopy, allowing biopsy of small and difficult-to-reach lung nodules that may otherwise require more invasive diagnostic procedures. Robotic bronchoscopy provides an extremely detailed 3D view of the lungs' airway passages, which allows the physician to navigate the bronchoscope precisely to the target nodule using a handheld controller.
Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, making timely diagnosis critical. This technology allows for earlier detection of lung cancer and the ability to access smaller nodules within the lung.
"Early detection remains one of the most important factors in improving outcomes for lung cancer patients," said Ryan Levy, M.D., division chief of thoracic surgery in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at UPMC. "The Ion platform gives us the ability to reach areas of the lung that can be challenging to access and increases our ability to make a cancer diagnosis on even small lesions. By making the diagnosis earlier it allows us to diagnose lung cancer at an earlier stage and increases the likelihood of a long-term cure."
