Ion™
Ion™ Endoluminal System
Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy for Early Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Overview
Ion is Intuitive’s robotic bronchoscopy platform designed to navigate to small, peripheral lung nodules for early-stage lung cancer biopsy. The system combines shape-sensing technology, ultra-thin flexible instrumentation, and advanced software planning to enable precise, minimally invasive access deep into the lung.
Key Features
Shape-Sensing Catheter
3.5 mm outer diameter with 2 mm working channel
180-degree articulation in all directions
Real-time fiber-optic shape sensing provides continuous, accurate positioning throughout the procedure
PlanPoint™ Software
Generates 3D airway maps from standard CT scans
Auto-segments nodules and plans optimal navigation paths
Visualizes vasculature, pleura, and fissures to guide safer access
Supports PACS integration for streamlined clinical workflow
Tool-in-Lesion Confirmation
Compatible with cone-beam CT systems (e.g., GE OEC 3D, Siemens Cios Spin)
Enables real-time confirmation that the biopsy tool is positioned within the target nodule
Helps overcome CT-to-body divergence for improved diagnostic confidence
Vision and Biopsy Tools
Vision probe with 120° field of view provides live visuals during navigation
Compatible with FLEXISION™ biopsy needles (19G, 21G, 23G)
Up to 3 cm of needle excursion beyond the catheter tip
My Intuitive™ Data Platform
Tracks procedural data, case volumes, tool usage, and outcomes
Provides insights and analytics to support clinical performance and continuous improvement
Clinical Outcomes
Diagnostic yield of approximately 90% in early clinical studies when used with cone-beam CT
Zero pneumothorax in a multicenter prospective study of 155 patients
Enables biopsy of nodules as small as 10 mm, including those without a visible bronchus sign
Designed for use in diagnosing peripheral nodules where traditional bronchoscopes fall short
Applications
Pulmonology
Thoracic surgery
Interventional pulmonology
Early-stage lung cancer detection programs
SDV Medical Advantage
SDV Medical provides access to the Ion Endoluminal System through a national VA contract vehicle. This reduces acquisition time from months to days, allowing VA facilities to rapidly deploy this technology and begin delivering faster, more accurate lung cancer diagnostics to Veterans.
