Intuitive Ion
[Image from Intuitive]

Intuitive (Nasdaq:ISRG) announced that the FDA cleared an integration of imaging technology with the Ion robot-assisted bronchoscopy system.

The integration covers a mobile cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging technology, developed by Siemens Healthineers, called Cios Spin.

Cios Spin offers integrated functionality with Ion to provide 2D and 3D imaging during procedures to help physicians gain confidence around refining Ion’s catheter positioning and help improve biopsy tool placement, according to a news release.

Sunnyvale, California-based Intuitive said early studies demonstrate that Ion enables a diagnostic yield of approximately 80% in studies with a relatively small average nodule size. The integration of Ion with Siemens’ imaging technology could improve the accuracy of biopsy procedures, aiding in the diagnosis of lung cancer, the company said, through the enhancement of a physician’s ability to provide minimally invasive lung biopsy with Ion and potentially give patients answer sooner.

“Since launching Ion we have continued to make improvements to our system, tools and user interface with a view of making robotic-assisted lung biopsy the standard of care,” Intuitive SVP of Endoluminal Charlie Dean said in the release. “With the Siemens Healthineers integration we are raising that bar further by enabling our physicians to even more accurately and repeatably biopsy small lesions deep within the lung. With this clearance, we hope to help physicians continue to improve patient outcomes.”

Intuitive added that its Ion technology will “continue to evolve” with the potential inclusion of other collaborators to enhance its ecosystem and value to physicians and care teams.

“The integration between Ion and Siemens Healthineers’ Cios Spin provides additional information that may help physicians gain more confidence that they are collecting tissue at the right location,” Intuitive VP and Ion Medical Officer Dr. Oliver Wagner said. “There’s clear patient benefit in these technologies working together to help improve accuracy, which could help get answers sooner.”