Intuitive Surgical Ion — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Intuitive Surgical |
|---|---|
| Model | Ion |
| Year | 2019 |
| Category | Medical |
| Autonomy | semi-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Dimensions | 80cm L × 75cm W × 160cm H |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, WiFi |
| Country of origin | US |
Key features
- 3.5mm shape-sensing catheter
- CT-based navigation planning
- Real-time catheter shape visualisation
- Peripheral lung nodule biopsy
- Fibre optic shape-sensing tech
- Fluoroscopy + CBCT confirmation
- Intuitive Surgical ecosystem integration
What is it?
Intuitive Surgical Ion is a robotic bronchoscopy platform for peripheral lung lesion biopsy, using a thin 3.5mm shape-sensing catheter and CT-based navigation to reach and biopsy nodules in the outer lung.
Who is it for?
- Interventional pulmonologists and pulmonologists diagnosing peripheral lung nodules
- Cancer centres building minimally invasive lung biopsy capability for early detection
- Patients with peripheral lung nodules where surgical biopsy carries significant risk
- Hospital systems with existing Intuitive Surgical da Vinci infrastructure
Key specs
- Catheter diameter: 3.5mm outer
- Technology: shape-sensing fibre optic
- Navigation: CT-based pre-procedural planning
- Visualisation: real-time catheter shape
- Confirmation: fluoroscopy + cone-beam CT
- Owner: Intuitive Surgical
How it compares
Vs Auris Monarch: Ion uses shape-sensing fibre optics for real-time catheter shape visualisation throughout the airway. Monarch uses a continuous bronchoscope camera. Both access peripheral lung but with different navigation and visualisation philosophies. Ion benefits from Intuitive's broader hospital relationships and da Vinci installed base.
Limitations
- Biopsy yield varies by lesion size and location in the peripheral lung
- Shape-sensing accuracy can vary in complex airway anatomy
- Requires interventional pulmonology programme and trained operators
- Confirmatory imaging (fluoroscopy or CBCT) still required for targeting confidence
FAQ
How much does the Intuitive Surgical Ion cost?
Ion pricing is not publicly listed. Available through Intuitive Surgical enterprise contracts with hospital systems. Contact Intuitive for pricing based on procedure volume and contract terms.
What is the Intuitive Surgical Ion used for?
Ion is a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform that navigates a thin, flexible robotic catheter to peripheral lung lesions for biopsy, using shape-sensing fibre optic technology and CT-based navigation to reach lesions in the outer lung.
What are the key specs of the Intuitive Surgical Ion?
Ion uses a 3.5mm outer diameter catheter with shape-sensing fibre optic technology, CT-based pre-procedural navigation planning, real-time catheter shape visualisation, and integrates with Intuitive's ecosystem for fluoroscopy and cone-beam CT confirmation.
Who uses the Intuitive Surgical Ion?
Ion is used by interventional pulmonologists and pulmonologists performing diagnostic bronchoscopy to biopsy peripheral lung nodules, particularly in patients being evaluated for early lung cancer.
How does Ion compare to the Auris Health Monarch?
Ion uses shape-sensing fibre optic technology for real-time catheter shape visualisation throughout the procedure. Auris Monarch uses a continuous bronchoscope camera design. Both target peripheral lung biopsy but use different navigation and visualisation approaches.