Robotic Ion Therapy at Temecula Valley Hospital

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., accounting for about one in five cancer deaths. According to the American Cancer Society, more people die of lung cancer than they do from colon, breast and prostate cancers combined.

Early detection is the key. Ion bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgical system which uses an ultra-thin maneuverable catheter (tube) to better navigate deeper into lung tissue than traditional lung biopsies.  

Temecula Valley Hospital is the first hospital in Southwest Riverside County to offer life-enhancing lung care technology with the minimally invasive Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform by Intuitive. This technology helps improve the ability of surgeons to detect, biopsy, diagnose and treat lung cancers at the earliest stages. 

Ion Robot Lung Bronchoscopy video

Watch our respiratory therapists rave about ion therapy.

Robot-assisted Ion Bronchoscopy Technology

Though most lung nodules may be benign, the doctor may recommend additional procedures, such as a biopsy, to determine a diagnosis. A lung biopsy involves obtaining a tissue sample from the suspicious area and examining the cells to determine if cancer or another disease is present. 

The particular type of biopsy procedure the surgeon will recommend depends on the size of the nodule, its location in the lung and your overall health and fitness. If you’re a suitable candidate for robotic-assisted bronchoscopy at Temecula Valley Hospital in Riverside County, CA, additional benefits may include:

• Lower risk of infection
• Less scarring and trauma 
• Less blood loss and discomfort
• Quicker recovery
• Shorter hospital stay

At Temecula Valley Hospital, data from the minimally invasive ion procedure is then used to generate 3D images of the patient’s lungs down to the most microscopic nodules. During surgery, the doctor uses a robotic controller to maneuver an ultrathin catheter up toward the heart from an incision in the thigh. A more flexible catheter allows for deeper accessibility within the lung, and earlier detection.

If the doctor suggests robotic-assisted Ion bronchoscopy, you may be scheduled for the minimally invasive procedure. Made by Intuitive, maker of the da Vinci surgical system, ion therapy is built on more than two decades of leadership in robot-assisted technology. 

Advanced lung care at Temecula Valley Hospital 

According to the American Lung Association, more than 34 million Americans are living with acute and long-term lung diseases like Coronary Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Our physicians specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of lung and respiratory diseases. They provide advanced pulmonary care for:

• Asthma
• COPD 
• Emphysema 
• Lung cancer
• Pneumonia
• Tuberculosis, and more 

It's so important to detect lung disease early and get the proper treatments to improve detection and chances of survival . If you’re concerned about the risk of lung cancer, talk to your doctor today. Based on your risk factors and smoking history, you may be eligible for a minimally invasive Ion bronchoscopy.

Improving the chance of survival requires quick diagnosis and early detection.

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you.