A More Precise Path to Lung Cancer Diagnosis

At TriHealth, we're constantly advancing care by bringing meaningful innovation to patients when and where it matters most.

Our team at Bethesda North Hospital was the first in Cincinnati in 2020 to invest in Ion systems and has been using Ion to help diagnose lung nodules earlier and more precisely. Recently, we expanded these capabilities by performing our first Ion procedure at Good Samaritan Hospital. The Ion system (Ion robotic bronchoscopy) is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure used to find and biopsy suspicious spots (nodules) in the lungs, specifically those that are small or difficult to reach.

Why does this matter?

Lung nodules are not always easy to diagnose. Traditionally, biopsies may require passing a needle through the chest wall, which can increase the risk of complications such as a collapsed lung.

Ion offers a different approach, where the minimally invasive, robotic-assisted procedure allows physicians to reach deep into the lung, through its natural airways, without the need for external incisions.

How it works

1. Personalized 3D mapping
   Using a patient’s CT scan, physicians create a detailed 3D map of the lungs, pinpointing the exact location of the nodule.
2. Guided navigation
   During the procedure, the patient is under general anesthesia. A pulmonologist guides a thin, highly flexible robotic catheter through the mouth and into the airways. Advanced shape-sensing technology allows the physician to navigate with precision, even into the smallest, most distant branches of the lung.
3. Targeted biopsy
   Once the nodule is reached, the physician collects tissue samples using specialized tools. In many cases, those samples can be reviewed immediately, helping to get answers quicker.

Why advancing care is as important as advancing technology

• Earlier, more accurate diagnoses of small or hard-to-reach nodules
• Fewer complications, with significantly lower risk of lung collapse compared to traditional needle biopsies
• No external incisions, leading to faster recovery and less disruption to daily life

Most patients return home the same day and are back to normal activities soon after.

Expanding access for TriHealth patients

Offering the Ion procedure at TriHealth’s Bethesda North since 2020 has allowed our teams to build deep expertise with this approach. Expanding the technology to Good Samaritan Hospital helps ensure more patients across our system have access to advanced diagnostic care close to home.

What is next?

For patients, a lung nodule often brings uncertainty. The ability to reach it safely, diagnose it accurately, and move forward with a care plan more quickly can make a meaningful difference.

At TriHealth, that’s the goal: combining advanced technology with experienced clinical teams to provide care that is not only innovative, but truly patient-centered.

Learn more about the ion robot.