Photo: L-R we have: Dr Jazmine Eckhaus, Dr Barton Jennings, and Dr Nicholas Wilsmore
Epworth Eastern is the first hospital in Victoria, and the first private hospital in Australia, to introduce the Ion robotic bronchoscope, a high-tech machine used to collect tissue samples from the lungs.
The technology uses a built-in navigation system to help respiratory specialists reach hard-to-access areas of the lung, that can't be reached using traditional methods.
Julie, in her 60s, was one of the first people in Victoria to have a biopsy using the new robot.
A former medical practice manager, she underwent a routine heart scan on the advice of her GP as part of a general health check. While her heart was healthy, the scan incidentally detected a nodule in her lung.
Because of the nodule's location, obtaining a cell sample was challenging. Julie's first biopsy, performed using traditional methods, was benign but inconclusive.
On the advice of her Epworth specialist, Dr Nick Wilsmore, she underwent a second biopsy with the Ion robotic bronchoscope. Thankfully, pathology confirmed the nodule was not cancerous. Julie will have a follow-up scan in the coming months as part of her ongoing care.
Respiratory physician Dr Nick Wilsmore said the Ion robotic bronchoscope provided another option for specialists to access difficult to reach lung lesions.
"This system provides us with an additional option for reaching nodules in challenging positions," Dr Wilsmore said.
"It's part of our commitment to using advanced technology to support clinical decision-making."
Thoracic surgeon Dr Jazmin Eckhaus said the technology can help localise lesions within the lung that may be too small to mark or remove using traditional methods.
"This offers an opportunity for more patients to have minimally invasive operations," she said.
CEO of Lung Foundation Australia, Mark Brooke said the Ion robot changes what is possible for patients facing the uncertainty of a potential 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."
Earlier this year, Epworth launched one of Australia's first Priority Lung Screening Assessment Services, providing rapid access to an expert team of specialists and advanced diagnostic tools, including the Ion robotic bronchoscope, at one site at Epworth Eastern in Box Hill.
