Northern Westchester Hospital Introduces New Robotic Cancer Detection

MOUNT KISCO, NY — A new robotic tool at Northern Westchester Hospital could help save lives by finding signs of cancer deep within the lungs.

The hospital is the first in Westchester County to perform a new minimally invasive robotic-assisted lung biopsy using the ION by Intuitive system. The cutting-edge technology enables physicians to obtain tissue samples from deep within the lungs, but with minimal discomfort for the patient.

The innovative procedure is less intrusive, may enable earlier lung cancer detection and reduces the risk of complications, like collapsed lung or punctures, which can occur with traditional needle biopsies, hospital officials said. Successfully performed earlier this month by Darren Rohan, MD, Westchester regional director of Northwell Health’s thoracic surgery program, the advancement that represents a significant step forward in the early detection and treatment of lung cancer is available in Westchester for the first time.

"The precision of this cutting-edge technology is what makes the robotic-assisted bronchoscopy truly unique, allowing us to perform biopsies more swiftly and accurately, even in the most challenging areas within the lung," Rohan explained. "Northern Westchester Hospital is proud to be the first in Westchester to offer this revolutionary, minimally invasive procedure, advancing our efforts in the ongoing fight against lung cancer."

During the procedure, the patient is put under general anesthesia. The physician then inserts a thin, articulating catheter through the patient’s mouth and throat, guiding it through the airways to the targeted nodule. The system's advanced imaging and navigation capabilities allow the physician to maneuver with extreme precision, reaching nodules located even in the most remote areas of the lung. Once the catheter is placed, a biopsy tool is passed through it to collect tissue samples from the nodule for analysis.

The ION system is particularly beneficial for biopsies when cancer is suspected or when a lesion is located in a difficult-to-reach area of the lung. The robotic technology allows pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons to navigate the complex anatomy of the lungs with precision, accurately targeting nodules in the peripheral regions where more than 70 percent of cancerous lesions are typically found, according to a study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

The relatively new procedure also enables earlier detection of lung cancer, substantially shortening the time from diagnosis to treatment from up to 90 days to just 20 to 30 days, according to hospital officials, who pointed to a study in Lung Cancer Management that found with traditional biopsies, patients often require multiple procedures prior to receiving a lung cancer diagnosis, which can significantly prolong their diagnostic process and delay treatment.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, killing approximately 1.8 million people annually, according to the World Health Organization. It accounts for the highest mortality rates among both men and women, with smoking being the primary cause of about 85 percent of all cases. The disease often lacks symptoms in its early stages, and thus, can be difficult to diagnose, making early detection vital for improving patient outcomes and saving lives.