New lung robot gives hope for 'unreachable' challenges

Epworth Eastern in Melbourne is offering the latest in lung treatment technology, which could result in earlier cancer diagnosis and better treatment options.

It is the first private hospital in Australia to use the Ion robotic bronchoscope, a high-tech machine used to collect tissue samples from the lungs.

The device's built-in navigation system helps respiratory specialists reach hard-to-access areas of the lungs that traditional methods cannot treat.

"This system provides us with an additional option for reaching nodules in challenging positions," respiratory physician Dr Nick Wilsmore said.

"It's part of our commitment to using advanced technology to support clinical decision-making."

Epworth Eastern was the first hospital in Victoria to introduce the technology, part of a new Priority Lung Screening Assessment Service launched this year.

One of the first of its kind in Australia, it provides rapid access to an expert team of specialists and advanced diagnostic tools, including the Ion robotic bronchoscope, at one site at Epworth Eastern in Box Hill.

Julie, a former medical practice manager aged in her 60s, was one of the first people in the state to have a biopsy using the new robot.

She had a routine heart test on the advice of her GP; while her heart was healthy, the scan detected a nodule in her lung.

Because of the nodule's location, obtaining a cell sample was challenging. Julie's first biopsy, performed using traditional methods, was benign but inconclusive.

Using the Ion robotic bronchoscope for a second biopsy, Dr Wilsmore was able to confirm the nodule was not cancerous. Julie will have a follow-up scan in the coming months as part of her ongoing care.

Epworth thoracic surgeon Dr Jazmin Eckhaus said the technology could help localise lesions within the lung that might be too small to mark or remove using traditional methods.

"This offers an opportunity for more patients to have minimally-invasive operations," she said.

Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said the Ion robot changed what was possible for patients facing the uncertainty of a potential lung cancer diagnosis.

"Being able to detect and biopsy lesions that were previously unreachable, patients will have additional hope," he said.

"We look forward to seeing other hospitals across Australia make similar investments for their community."

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