CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital to Launch Ion Endoluminal System to Expand Thoracic Oncology

February 1, 2023

Lake Charles, Louisiana - CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital announced today that it is adding robotic-assisted Ion technology for use in minimally invasive lung biopsies as part of its continued commitment to provide the most innovative care for its patients.

The Ion endoluminal system is a robotic-assisted technology from Intuitive, the maker of the da Vinci surgical systems, that can reach all 18 segments of the lung for biopsy.

This minimally invasive bronchoscopy procedure is used to diagnose diseases that occur inside the chest, like lung cancer, infections and other conditions, by obtaining samples from enlarged lymph nodes and masses in the lung.

The Ion procedure is performed by physicians when abnormalities are detected in a patient’s chest through a CT scan which not only allows the physician to diagnose, but also to determine the stage of lung cancer, if that’s the determined diagnosis.

“This procedure allows our team to gather information quickly, providing better quality care for the patient, and helps us diagnose certain conditions without the need for a more invasive surgical approach,” said Dr. Tashfeen Mahmood, CHRISTUS Ochsner pulmonologist.

The robot features a thin catheter that can easily be maneuvered 180 degrees in all directions. This allows doctors to navigate through smaller airways to reach nodules in any segment of the lung. Because the biopsy needle is flexible, it can move through very tight curves via the catheter to access and collect tissue samples. This makes for a more precise biopsy in comparison to manual techniques and easier surgical procedure for the patient.

The robot allows for easier access to smaller areas of the lung through natural body openings, like the mouth. It supports early diagnosis during lung cancer screenings by gathering tissue samples from small nodules in areas where earlier tools and procedures were unable to reach.

“This is exciting for the Southwest Louisiana community,” said Jim Davidson, CHRISTUS Ochsner President and Chief Operating Officer. “We are fully committed to providing the best care for our patients, so we are thrilled to be able to diagnose and treat various illnesses in a minimally invasive approach. This exemplifies the innovative health care we are dedicated to providing our patients, so you don’t have to go anywhere else to receive the best care.”

For more information, visit www.christushealth.org