Missouri Delta Medical Center

Lung Cancer - Ion Robot

Pioneering Lung Cancer Detection in Southeast Missouri

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, surpassing breast, prostate, and colon cancers combined (Lung Cancer Alliance Data). Missouri Delta Medical Center is proud to offer the most advanced technology in lung cancer detection with the introduction of the Ion Endoluminal System.

The Ion system is designed to address one of the most challenging aspects of lung biopsies, enabling our specialist, Dr. Muhammad Ehtisham, a board-certified pulmonologist, to obtain tissue samples from deep within the lung. This state-of-the-art system features an ultra-thin, ultra-maneuverable catheter that allows precise navigation into the peripheral lung, offering unprecedented stability compared to traditional manual techniques.

"More than 70% of cancerous lung nodules are located at the outer edges of the lungs, often making them inaccessible for biopsy. Thanks to the Ion system, we are now able to reach these hard-to-access nodules and biopsy lesions as small as 5mm."
Muhammad Ehtisham, M.D., Pulmonologist, Missouri Delta Medical Center

Introducing Ion by Intuitive: Revolutionizing Lung Biopsies

Ion by Intuitive is a robotic-assisted system that facilitates minimally invasive lung biopsies, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. The Ion system integrates seamlessly with existing technologies, such as Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS), which Missouri Delta Medical Center also utilizes. By combining the precision of robotic technology with the capabilities of EBUS, the Ion system enables our team to diagnose and stage lung cancer in a single procedure, enhancing the accuracy of our assessments and improving patient outcomes.

ION Robot

ION Robot

ION Robot for Earlier Lung Cancer Detection

Ion is designed to address a challenging aspect of lung biopsy by enabling physicians to obtain tissue samples from deep within the lung. The Ion system features an ultra-thin, ultra-maneuverable catheter that allows navigation far into the peripheral lung, and unprecedented stability enables the precision needed for biopsy compared to manual techniques.

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Olympus EBUS System

Olympus EBUS System

Olympus EBUS System to provide patients with an advanced, minimally invasive option for lung cancer diagnosis and screening.

EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) bronchoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose different types of lung disorders, including inflammation, infections or cancer. EBUS bronchoscopy uses a flexible tube that goes through your mouth and into your windpipe and lungs. The EBUS scope has a video camera with an ultrasound probe attached to create a local images of your lungs and nearby lymph nodes in order to accurately locate and evaluate areas seen on x-rays or scans that need a closer look.

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Did you know there is a test to screen for lung cancer?

  • Are you between the ages of 50-80?
  • Have a 20 pack-year (pack-year is smoking an average of one pack of cigarettes per day for one year) history of smoking?
  • Are a current smoker or have quit within the past 15 years?

If you answered yes to all 3 questions, contact one of our dedicated health coaches for more information and to schedule your Low Dose CT Scan (LDCT) to screen for lung cancer, it could save your life.

Depending on the amount you spoke and the length of time you have been smoking, you may be eligible for a lung cancer screening

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