New Robotic Platform Technologies are Helping Transform Early Lung Cancer Diagnoses
A triple-whammy of advanced new diagnostic and treatment options holds the promise for better outcomes for New Jersey lung cancer patients.
Monmouth Medical Center (MMC), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, has introduced three new highly precise technologies used to both diagnose and treat lung cancer.
The centerpiece is Ion, a robot-assisted platform designed to enable minimally invasive lung biopsies that may become a key part of early diagnosis. Ion’s ability to navigate small nodules via an ultrathin catheter, aided by a GPS-like guide system, enhances reach, precision, and stability for lung biopsies and affords doctors access to all segments of the lung.
“[This] can help patients with suspicious lung nodules get answers sooner, potentially enabling more time to consider treatment options,” said Richard Lazzaro, M.D., chief of Thoracic Surgery for the RWJBarnabas Health Southern Region.
Monmouth Medical Center’s Ion system is used in conjunction with the Aliya PEF System, which delivers high-voltage, high-frequency electrical currents through a single monopolar electrode designed to ablate the targeted cancer cells.
Completing its triad of lung cancer fighting tools, MMC became the first hospital in New Jersey to introduce intraoperative AI-driven CT imaging for use with the Ion. Benefits to patients include less radiation exposure and less time spent in surgery.
“We are proud to be able to introduce these amazing new technologies as a part of our commitment to delivering the highest level of thoracic care to our patients,” said Monmouth Medical Center President and CEO Eric Carney. “In pioneering these firsts, our team has a singular focus – that is on the best patient outcomes.”